Computer-based assessment has evolved to tablet-based devices. Despite the availability of tablets and "apps," there is limited research validating their use. We documented timing delays between stimulus presentation and (simulated) touch response on iOS devices (3rd- and 4th-generation Apple iPads) and Android devices (Kindle Fire, Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy) at response intervals of 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 milliseconds (ms). Results showed significantly greater timing error on Google Nexus and Samsung tablets (81-97 ms), than Kindle Fire and Apple iPads (27-33 ms). Within Apple devices, iOS 7 obtained significantly lower timing error than iOS 6. Simple reaction time (RT) trials (250 ms) on tablet devices represent 12% to 40% error (30-100 ms), depending on the device, which decreases considerably for choice RT trials (3-5% error at 1,000 ms). Results raise implications for using the same device for serial clinical assessment of RT using tablets, as well as the need for calibration of software and hardware.

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Natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, tornadoes, floods) pose many risk communication challenges for emergency managers and policy makers. Critical obstacles to risk readiness are often attributed to differences in (a) warning awareness, (b) risk understanding, and (c) behavioral responses. Although a considerable body of research has focused on risk understanding (see www.RiskLiteracy.org ) there is relatively less research mapping individual differences in warning awareness and related vulnerabilities. Here, we present a psychometric study (n=254) with cross-validation, testing a two parameter polytomous logistic model of subjective warning awareness (i.e., people’s assessment of how likely they are to receive risk and hazard warnings from trusted sources). The final instrument included four items and one criterion that may be related to other important natural hazard response behaviors, providing a foundation for continuing exploration of warning awareness. Discussion focuses on potential applications of the Oklahoma Warning Awareness Scale as it pertains to natural hazards and other risks more broadly.

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