Modeling the Nervous System: Reaction Time and the Central Nervous System (UMAP)

Author: Brindell Horelick, Sinan Koont, Sheldon F. Gottlieb

This module describes the process by which the central nervous system responds to a stimulus, and explains how this process is modeled mathematically, and what conclusion can be drawn from the model regarding reaction time. It also discusses the merits of various assumptions concerning the relation between intensity of excitation and stimulus intensity.

Table of Contents:

1. MODELS

2. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

3. HOW WE REACT TO A STIMULUS

4. A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF REACTION TIME

5. THE RELATION BETWEEN THE EXCITATION INTENSTIY E AND THE STIMULUS INTENSITY S

6. EXPERIMENTAL CONFIRMATION OF THE MODEL

7. REFERENCES

8. HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SOME EXERCISES

9. ANSWERS TO SOME EXERCISES