1.
Speed Versus Accuracy
By Hilary Reeder
Dr. Butterfield
KPE 270
12 October 2015

2. Background
Fitts’s Law states that the time required to rapidly move to a target area is a
function of the ration between the distance to the target and the width of the target
(Fitts, 1954). In other words, there is a speed and accuracy trade off in athletic top
performance. For example, in baseball the pitcher not only has to get the ball within a
specific perimeter for the batter to swing at, but the ball needs to be traveling at a rapid
speed itself. If the pitcher were to focus on throwing a screwball, due to the difficult
technique, speed is compromised and accuracy becomes the main point of focus. Just
as if the pitcher would attempt to throw a fastball, except this time accuracy has been
compromised for speed.
However, this widely understood concept does have it’s exception. In
consideration to how this law was proven, Fitts based the majority of his data from trials
that included a single, isolated target in a closed environment. When placed in an open
environment, including irrelevant targets within the display, motion toward the targeted
object will enhance spatial awareness. With greater kinesthetic awareness, both
environmentally and biomechanically, as the speed increases it will aid in timing
accuracy (Schmidt and Lee, 2013).
Problem​ ­­
The purpose of this lab is to explore the speed­accuracy relationship while
conducting a hand­eye task.

3.
Methods
Participant​­­
The participant was a 24 year old healthy female.
Materials​­­
A table and chair were needed to place the participant in front of the mirror
tracer. A stylus was used to trace a star upon the mirror tracer, while a stopwatch was in
need to calculate precise time periods. Data was then recorded using pen and paper
onto a scoresheet.
Procedure​­­
The participant was instructed to sit down at a table with a mirror tracer in front.
Next, the dominant hand was used to hold the stylus and trace a previously outlined star
with maximum speed and accuracy (other students rated themselves on either
maximum speed or accuracy). Speed was measured in seconds, while accuracy was
measured by the amount of times the stylus was out of line with the actual outline of the
imprinted star. Ten consecutive trials were permitted, while recording the seconds taken
to outline the star and the number of errors done while tracing. This data was then
calculated into an overall mean of time and error.

4.
Results
Overall Classroom Averages (*Figure 1.1)
After ten consecutive trials, the averages were calculated amongst the classroom
as displayed above in figure 1.1. The graph shows that those who focused on speed,
had the highest number of errors. Those who focused on accuracy, had the longest
duration of time. The participants who focused on both speed and accuracy, had the
highest amounts of errors over the least amount of time.

5.
Discussion
In regards to Fitts’s Law, mentioned previously within the background, there is a
speed and accuracy trade off in athletic top performance. Judging by the classroom
results, this experiment has provided substantial evidence that those who put their focus
specifically on speed, will decrease their overall accuracy. For those who put their focus
specifically on accuracy, results show that overall speed will decrease. Lastly, the
participants who attempted to focus evenly throughout, on both speed and accuracy,
were the quickest within the groups tested, yet displayed the greatest amount of errors.
As predicted by Fitts, this outcome depicts an obvious trade off in either the domain of
accuracy or speed. Yet, in almost every sport, both aspects are needed in a controlled
state to be efficient and progress.
Although, the exception to this law does state that when placed in an open
environment, rather than a closed one, the outcomes may be entirely different. For
greater distance from the targeted area combined with irrelevant distractions, will
increase one’s spatial awareness. Overtime, as the speed increases it will aid with
accuracy in timing (Schmidt and Lee, 2013). The exception here did not pertain to any
of the participants during their trials; all of which were completed within an isolated and
predictable surrounding.