Based on the data I got on this lab, the results of this lab do not support the view of humans as machines. In the sense that we move according to signals that we cannot control, we are like machines following a written program in their system. However, it is the precision of results that we differ from the machines. When a command is given, machine carries out set of maneuvers in respond to the command. For example: motion sensor detected movement -> move thumb and forefinger half an inch towards each other. In this case the reaction time would be the time it takes the machine to deliver and carry out the maneuver. Because such commands are precisely programmed for machines, the results are consistent, or with negligible variances. Humans, on the other hand, have more going on other than the given task. In this lab, even though grasping the ruler as soon as it is let go is the only task asked, we have other things going on in our head such as: watch the ruler, listen for ready, do not move the fingers unless the ruler is moving, concentrate, how long would this take, what should I eat after this, how much homework do I have left, etc. In short, we humans have to interact with the environment and have to try their best to block out other thoughts. In there is the significant difference: we think. There are ongoing efforts to develop self-learning machines (or A.I.), but it is not quite on the level to think for themselves. What sets us apart is also what keeps us from perfect precision.
Even if we show improvement in general, it wont be as linear (whether constant or improvement) as machines data because we need multiple signals to carry out a task instead of having single program reacting to a stimulus.
I completely agree with you. As I was going through the motions of catching the ruler, I was thinking about who was texting me, what was going on in the football game, am I hungry right now?... etc. We are not machines, therefore things are not always perfect and in the same linear fashion every time. My results are all over the place, clearly representing that my actions are no where near perfect.
I also agree. Unlike robots, we have to deal with distractions in our environment. In addition, my performance in the Ruler Lab was varied. While at times I would react quickly to the ruler dropping, other trials it would take my fingers slightly longer to grasp it. This illustrates that while humans are the smartest animals on the planet, we are also the most inconsistent. Our minds are extremely complex and there are a large number of factors that influence our reaction time. Our reaction time is not programmed, yet trained.
-PaulDee
-- Edited by 102intro on Monday 14th of September 2009 10:46:00 PM
