A tachistoscope is a mechanical or electrical device that displays an image for a brief, pre-determined period of time ranging from 2 to 0.01 seconds. The first tachistoscope was invented in 1859 and was later used in WWII to train fighter pilots to identify aircraft. There are three main types: mechanical, electrical, and computer-based. Tachistoscopes are used in psychology to measure attention span and improve reading speed, in optometry to enhance vision, and in military, police, and sports training to improve rapid identification.

1. Tachistoscope
Dr Rajesh Verma
Assistant Professor in Psychology
Govt. College Adampur, Hisar (Haryana)
8/9/2020 PPT slides © Dr Rajesh Verma FGM Govt Collage Adampur, Hisar, Haryana

2. Brief Introduction
Tachistoscope is derived from the Greek
words ‘tachys’ meaning swift and ‘skopion’ meaning
instrument for viewing or observing (Godning,
2003).
A mechanical or electrical device that displays
an image for a pre-decided period of time.
Time Range => 2 to .01 Seconds
8/9/2020 PPT slides © Dr Rajesh Verma FGM Govt Collage Adampur, Hisar, Haryana

3. The first tachistoscope was originally
described by the German physiologist A.W.
Volkmann in 1859. It was also used during WWII in
the training of fighter pilots to help them identify
aircraft silhouettes as friend or foe (Godning, 2003).
Video Link –
https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=kq3hE_S7M
x0&t=304s
8/9/2020 PPT slides © Dr Rajesh Verma FGM Govt Collage Adampur, Hisar, Haryana

4. Three types
1. Mechanical
2. Electrical
3. Computer based applications
8/9/2020 PPT slides © Dr Rajesh Verma FGM Govt Collage Adampur, Hisar, Haryana

5. Applications
1. To measure Span of Attention in Psychology
and to improve reading speed.
2. Optometry – Enhance visual functions.
3. Military (Renshaw (1945) in WWII) and Police
training.
4. Academics - To improve reading speed.
5. Sports.
6. Marketing research – Memorability of
package designs.
8/9/2020 PPT slides © Dr Rajesh Verma FGM Govt Collage Adampur, Hisar, Haryana

6. References:
1. Godnig, E. C. (2003). The Tachistoscope: Its
History and Uses. Journal of Behavioral Optometry,
14(2), 39.
2. Berens, C., Girard, L., Fonda, G., Sells, S. B.
(1957). Effects of tachistoscopic training. American
Journal of Ophthalmology, 44(3), 1-48.
8/9/2020 PPT slides © Dr Rajesh Verma FGM Govt Collage Adampur, Hisar, Haryana

7. vermasujit@yahoo.com
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8/9/2020 PPT slides © Dr Rajesh Verma FGM Govt Collage Adampur, Hisar, Haryana