Simple Reaction Time as a Function of Alertness and Prior Mental Activity

Simple reaction time to light onset was measured before and after 20-min. periods of differing mental activity. Ss either “rested” during this period, sorted 9-digit printed figures into numerical order, or practiced a previously learned meditation technique. Mean reaction times were significantly different following the rest condition and sorting task, but meditators showed no change in reaction time after meditation. However, their scores were significantly faster than those of the other groups, and within- S variance decreased significantly after meditation. The results are discussed in terms of the relationship between reaction time and alertness. The need for additional experimentation is cited, and particular studies are suggested in this regard.