Abstract

Previous reserach has shown that reaction time (RT) and premotor time varied as a function of force even in simple-RT paradigm. The present purpose was to examine whether stimulus uncertainty induced by catch trials would cause programming delay until after the signal to respond. Subjects were required to react and produce a designated peak force as soon as possible after a visual stimulus, with and without catch trials. Five different levels of force were 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 of the maximum grip strength of subjects. Analysis showed that simple RT and premotor time changed as a function of force, regardless of whether catch trials were removed. These findings suggests that stimulus uncertainty is not a necessary condition for programming delay. Verf.-Referat