Place the four stages of reaction time in the correct order.

• A. Perception; Motor Initiation; Formulate a strategy; Analyze/Evaluate
• B. Perception; Analyze/Evaluate; Formulate a strategy; Motor Initiation
• C. Analyze/Evaluate; Perception; Formulate a strategy; Motor Initiation
• D. Formulate a strategy; Perception; Analyze/Evaluate; Motor Initiation

Answer: (B)

Reaction time unfolds in a logical sequence from sensing to acting. You first perceive the stimulus, recognizing what’s happening. Next you analyze and evaluate what that stimulus means and what response is appropriate. Then you formulate a motor strategy—planning the specific actions needed to respond. Only after that do you initiate the movement, starting the actual motor response.

This order makes sense because you can’t start moving reliably until you’ve identified what you’re reacting to, decided what is required, and prepared the exact motor plan. For example, spotting a red light triggers recognition, then you decide to stop, then you plan to brake and hold the position, and only then do you begin the braking and stop. The other sequences would put planning or movement before you’ve even identified the stimulus or you’d start moving without a plan, which isn’t how reaction time is organized.