RTbox: a device for highly accurate response time measurements.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Human-computer interaction
• Psychophysics

Background:

• Computer keyboards and mice offer low accuracy for response time (RT) measurements.
• Existing specialized RT collection devices have notable shortcomings.
• Accurate RT measurement is crucial for various research fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the RTbox, a novel, commercially available device for highly accurate RT measurements.
• To address the limitations of existing RT measurement tools.

Main Methods:

• Developed and implemented the RTbox, a device with an integrated microprocessor and high-resolution clock.
• Utilized asynchronous storage of button events to eliminate host computer timing biases.
• Enabled measurement of RTs relative to external triggers and synchronization with computer clocks.
• Integrated the RTbox via USB for compatibility with standard computers and operating systems.

Main Results:

• The RTbox achieves high accuracy in recording button event identities and timing.
• It is unaffected by data transmission and processing uncertainties in the host computer.
• The device simplifies user program design through asynchronous event storage.
• RTbox allows for RT measurement relative to external events and can operate without external triggers when synchronized.

Conclusions:

• The RTbox provides a highly accurate and reliable solution for RT measurements.
• Its design overcomes the limitations of traditional input devices and existing specialized equipment.
• The RTbox is a versatile tool suitable for diverse research requiring precise timing data.