How does attention affect reaction time?

Attention plays a crucial role in reaction time because it determines how effectively an individual can process information and respond to stimuli. When a person is focused or attends to a specific task, their cognitive resources are allocated towards that task, allowing them to process the relevant information more efficiently. This focused attention can lead to quicker identification of stimuli and faster motor responses.

For example, in a scenario where someone is waiting for a traffic signal to change, the more attentively they watch the light, the quicker they can react when it turns green. This heightened state of alertness enhances their ability to perceive the stimulus and execute the necessary action promptly, resulting in a decreased reaction time.

On the other hand, lack of attention or distractions can lead to slower reaction times, as it becomes more challenging to process the information needed for an effective response. Thus, the statement that attention can decrease reaction time accurately reflects the impact of focused cognitive processing on the speed of reactions.