On the Rate of Gain of Information
Abstract
The analytical methods of information theory are applied to the data obtained in certain choice-reaction-time experiments. Two types of experiment were performed: (a) a conventional choice-reaction experiment, with various numbers of alternatives up to ten, and with a negligible proportion of errors, and (b) a ten-choice experiment in which the subjects deliberately reduced their reaction time by allowing themselves various proportions of errors. The principal finding is that the rate of gain of information is, on the average, constant with respect to time, within the duration of one perceptual-motor act, and has a value of the order of five “bits” per second. The distribution of reaction times among the ten stimuli in the second experiment is shown to be related to the objective uncertainty as to which response will be given to each stimulus. The distribution of reaction times among the responses is also related to the same uncertainty. This is further evidence that information is intimately concerned with reaction time. Some possible conceptual models of the process are considered, but tests against the data are inconclusive.
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Reaction times were longer on the 4-choice task than on the 2-choice task.
“RTs were longer on the 4-choice task10.”
From Decision-making with multiple alternatives (2008) · cites this paper as [10]
We typically take a longer time to ponder a more difficult decision, when information provided by the external world is conflicting or when there are numerous options to consider.
“Moreover, we typically take a longer time to ponder a more difficult decision, when information provided by the external world is conflicting or when there are numerous options to consider (Hick, 1952; Vickers, 1970).”
From Decision Making in Recurrent Neuronal Circuits (2008) · cites this paper as Hick, 1952
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- Authors
- Hick, W. E.
- Affiliations
- Medical Research Council (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Hick, W. E.
- Venue
- Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 1952-03
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 11-26
- ISSN
- 0033-555X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1990242729
- Cited by
- 2,279
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 52 · 2025: 62 · 2024: 61 · 2023: 59 · 2022: 58 · 2021: 82 · 2020: 66 · 2019: 71 · 2018: 72 · 2017: 86 · 2016: 62 · 2015: 68 · 2014: 61 · 2013: 59 · 2012: 92
- FWCI
- 11.43
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Motor Control and Adaptation
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
- Keywords
- choice reaction time, reaction time, response uncertainty, information theory, decision-making, response errors
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