Response Times to Left and Right Directional Signs

Abstract

In two experiments, choice response times to word and arrow signs were measured. Subjects were asked to respond to visual stimuli which presented right or left directional instructions. Both left- and right-handed subjects were tested. In each experiment, a different response mode (vocal and ballistic lateral movement) was used; they produced similar results. Choice response times were faster for arrow directions than for words. Permissive stimuli (DO produced faster responses than did prohibitive (DO NOT). Response times to left stimuli did not differ from latencies to right stimuli. Subject's hand preference did not influence choice response times or accuracy of responses. Some conclusions about designing traffic signs to facilitate left-right directional decisions are drawn.

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