How long does the Serial Reaction Time Task take?
About 3 to 4 minutes, as listed in the test library.
Learning
Serial Reaction Time Task
Measure implicit sequence learning from response-time changes across sequence and random blocks.
Useful for procedural learning, motor learning, intervention, and processing-speed studies.
Free to start: 10 free participants per account, then $0.99 per participant for academic research, or any yearly plan. Preview any test free after you sign up.
Processing speed3-4 minTimed: desktop or laptop with a mouse or trackpad
D
F
J
K
Press the key under each lit box
What this task measures
Measures implicit sequence learning. One of four boxes lights up and participants press its key. A repeating 10-step sequence is replaced by a random block near the end, and the slowdown in that block shows how much of the sequence was learned.
Core constructs
- Implicit sequence learning
- Procedural learning
- Visuomotor speed
Research fit
- Procedural and motor learning research
- Within-study group comparison
- Repeated testing in longitudinal studies
Paradigm overview
The serial reaction time task measures implicit sequence learning. Four boxes sit in a row above the keys D, F, J and K. One box lights up at a time, and participants press its key; the next box lights up 500 ms after the response.
Most trials follow a repeating 10-step sequence, boxes 4-2-3-1-3-2-4-3-2-1 (Nissen & Bullemer, 1987). Near the end, an unannounced 10-trial random block uses each box as often as the sequence does, never the same box twice in a row, and then the sequence returns for a final 10-trial block. Participants who have learned the sequence respond more slowly in the random block. Eight practice trials with feedback come first.
The sequence learning effect is the random block's mean correct response time minus the mean of the two neighboring sequence blocks. The standard run is 120 trials: ten 10-trial sequence blocks, the random block, then the final sequence block. Researchers can set 48 to 120 trials; the last 20 are always the random and final blocks. Learning effects from runs this short are smaller than those reported after several hundred trials.
Key scoring outputs
Sequence Learning Effect
msRandom-block mean correct response time minus the mean of the neighboring sequence blocks.
Higher positive values suggest learning
Sequence Block RT
msMean of the correct response times in the sequence blocks before and after the random block.
Lower is faster
Random Block RT
msMean correct response time in the random block.
Informational
Accuracy
proportionShare of test trials answered with the key for the lit box.
Higher is better
Accuracy Learning Effect
proportionAccuracy in the neighboring sequence blocks minus accuracy in the random block.
Higher positive values suggest learning
Task design as built
The trial sequence participants see, as the test runs in ConductCognition. Settings a researcher can change are listed below.
- Display
- Four boxes in a row with the keys D, F, J and K under them. The target box fills white.
- Timing
- The target stays until a response or 2,000 ms; the next box lights 500 ms after the response.
- Sequence
- The 10-item sequence of Nissen and Bullemer (1987), boxes 4-2-3-1-3-2-4-3-2-1, repeating without breaks.
- Blocks
- Sequence blocks of 10 trials, then an unannounced 10-trial random block, then a final sequence block.
- Random block
- Each box as often as in the sequence, never the same box twice in a row.
- Practice
- 8 random trials with feedback.
Runs of 48 to 120 trials show smaller learning effects than studies with several hundred trials.
Running this test
Settings you can change
| Setting | Standard | Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Number of trials | 120 | 48 to 120 |
Yearly plans can change settings within these limits. Free and pay-as-you-go studies use the standard settings.
Need a setting this test does not have?
Devices and languages
- Timed test: participants need a desktop or laptop with a mouse or trackpad. Participant devices
- Task text: English and Italian.
- Available on: Every plan, including the free plan.
- Recruiting online? See the setup guides for Prolific, Sona Systems, CloudResearch Connect and Qualtrics.
Cite this test
ConductCognition versions: task version 2.0.0, scoring version 2.0.0. Every export records the versions each session used, for a methods section.
- Nissen, M. J., & Bullemer, P. (1987). Attentional requirements of learning: Evidence from performance measures. Cognitive Psychology, 19(1), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0285(87)90002-8
Source papers
Nissen MJ, Bullemer P (1987). Attentional requirements of learning: evidence from performance measures. Cognitive Psychology, 19(1):1-32.
Paradigm sourceAdults
Research FAQ
Common questions about this online cognitive test
What device does a participant need?
Timed test: participants need a desktop or laptop with a mouse or trackpad. The browser must be Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.
What scores does it produce?
Sequence Learning Effect, Sequence Block RT, Random Block RT, Accuracy and Accuracy Learning Effect. Each session is also marked valid, needs review or invalid, with the reason.
Which settings can a researcher change?
Number of trials (48 to 120). Settings can be changed on yearly plans; free and pay-as-you-go studies use the standard settings.
Which languages can participants use?
The test's own text is in English and Italian. Italian participant pages come with yearly plans.
Is this a clinical test?
No. ConductCognition is for research use only. It runs, scores and exports the test; clinical interpretation is outside the platform.
Every test: the full test list.
Run this test in your next study
Start free with 10 free participants on any test, then use participant credits or a yearly plan.