Valikureaktsiooni

Valikureaktsioon, or choice reaction, is a cognitive psychology concept describing the process and timing involved when a person must select one response from multiple possible actions in response to a stimulus. The possessive/genitive form valikureaktsiooni is used in Estonian to refer to properties such as valikureaktsiooni aeg (choice-reaction time) or valikureaktsiooni ülesanne (choice-reaction task).

In a typical valikureaktsiooni task, several stimuli are each mapped to a distinct response, requiring discrimination and decision making before the correct action is executed. This differs from simple reaction time tasks, where the same response is performed to all stimuli. Measurements focus on reaction time (often in milliseconds) and accuracy. The classic relationship between the number of alternatives and latency is described by Hick’s Law, which states that reaction time increases with the logarithm of the number of choices.

The cognitive process underlying valikureaktsioon is commonly conceptualized in stages: perceptual encoding of the stimulus, a decision stage in which one response is selected among alternatives, and motor execution of the chosen action. The speed-accuracy trade-off is a key consideration: faster responses tend to yield lower accuracy under high load. Factors such as age, fatigue, arousal, practice, stimulus–response compatibility, and task complexity influence performance.

Applications of valikureaktsioon concepts span experimental psychology, human factors, interface design, and safety research (for example, driving and aviation). Historical foundations trace to early reaction-time research, with later formalization in Hick’s Law and related decision-making models.