Which statement best defines response time?

• A. The time from the introduction of the stimulus to completion of the action.
• B. The time between the onset of the stimulus and the start of movement.
• C. The speed at which information is processed by the brain.
• D. The time required to move after a decision is made.

Answer: (A)

Response time is the total time from when a stimulus appears to when the action is fully completed. It includes everything from noticing the cue, deciding what to do, and then carrying out the movement. This makes it the best definition here because it covers the entire sequence from start to finish, not just part of it. By contrast, reaction time is only the time from the stimulus to the start of the movement, and movement time is only the time taken to execute the motion after starting. Processing speed refers to how quickly the brain processes information, not how long it takes to complete a physical action. For example, catching a fast ball involves perceiving the ball, deciding when and where to move, and then moving your hands to catch it; the full response time would measure from the ball’s release to the moment you successfully catch it.