Question

-What do simple reaction time and choice reaction time studies tell us about neural processing?

-Contrast the “easy problem” and the “hard problem” of consciousness.

Answer 1

The study of time reactions is important for understanding certain mental functions. It gives a sanction of objective demonstration to the results of the subjective observation. It tends to indicate mode of analysis of simpler mental acts, as well as the relation of these laboratory objects to daily life. Reaction time noting and choice reaction in studies is thus important to be able to formally associate different factors to one another.

The hard problem of consciousness is the problem of explaining and establishing a clear cut relationship between the physical phenomena, i.e. brain processes (cognition or functioning of different brain regions) and the experience (phenomenal consciousness or mental states as well it.). The latter may also include affect. The easy problems on the other hand tend to comprise of  explaining how the brain integrates information, categorizes and discriminates environmental stimuli, or focuses attention. The two are different from each other yet move hand in hand. For the easy problems, once the sought after explanation is found, there is no propoer scope of more work to be acconplished. However, in case of hard problems, there are more tasks that can be done within the field and different permutations and combinations can be worked upon in order to strengthen findings.