Which type of reaction time involves responding to the presence or absence of a single stimulus?

The correct answer pertains to the concept of Simple Reaction Time, which is characterized by a straightforward response to a single stimulus. In this scenario, the participant only needs to react to the presence or absence of that stimulus without any additional choices or complications involved. For instance, if a light turns on, the individual responds in a predetermined way, such as pressing a button.

This type of reaction time is fundamental to understanding how quickly someone can process and react to basic stimuli, providing insights into cognitive processing speed and alertness levels. Simple Reaction Time is typically measured under controlled conditions and serves as a baseline for more complex reaction scenarios.

In contrast, the other types of reaction times involve varying degrees of complexity and decision-making that go beyond simply responding to one stimulus, which differentiates them from Simple Reaction Time.