What impact does verbal distraction have on a subject's reaction time?

Verbal distraction plays a significant role in a subject's ability to process information and respond appropriately. When a subject is subjected to verbal distraction, their cognitive resources become divided. This division leads to an increased mental workload, making it more challenging for the individual to focus on both the verbal stimulus and the required physical response.

Consequently, this distraction typically results in a slower reaction time. The brain's processing speed may decline as it attempts to manage multiple tasks simultaneously—receiving, interpreting, and responding to verbal commands while also reacting to the situation at hand. This delay can be critical, particularly in high-stress environments where quick decision-making is essential.

In contrast, the other options imply that verbal distraction either hastens the response, has no impact, or facilitates compliance. However, the reality is that distraction intrinsically hampers optimal functioning and can lead to a delayed response, reinforcing the significance of minimizing verbal interruptions in critical situations.