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Sex Differences in Simple Visual Reaction Time: A Historical Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

To test the hypothesis that the magnitude of sex differences in simple visual reaction time (RT) has narrowed across time, a meta-analysis was conducted on 72 effect sizes derived from 21 studies (n=15,003) published over a 73-year period. The analysis provided strong evidence for the hypothesized change. In addition, the analysis indicated that the sex difference in RT was on average smaller with non-U.S. samples than with U.S. samples. No relation was found between the magnitude of the sex difference in RT and age or presence vs. absence of a warning signal. Two factors–-participation in fast-action sports and driving–-are proposed as having been responsible for the decrease in the magnitude of the sex differences in simple visual RT across time.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio

    Irwin W. Silverman

  2. Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, 43403

    Irwin W. Silverman

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  1. Irwin W. Silverman
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Correspondence to Irwin W. Silverman.

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Silverman, I.W. Sex Differences in Simple Visual Reaction Time: A Historical Meta-Analysis. Sex Roles 54, 57–68 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-006-8869-6

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