Which of the following factors helps reduce reaction time?

Anticipating is a crucial factor in reducing reaction time because it allows an individual to prepare mentally and physically for an expected event or action. When you anticipate what might happen, your brain activates and primes your muscles to respond more quickly, decreasing the time it takes to react once the stimulus occurs. This proactive approach increases efficiency in decision-making and motor responses.

For instance, in law enforcement, if an officer anticipates potential criminal behavior based on situational awareness or previous experience, they can respond more swiftly and effectively when the situation escalates. This can involve everything from preparing to draw their weapon to getting into a position of safety or intervening in a timely manner to prevent a crime.

Other factors, such as verbal direction or emotional response, might influence reaction time in different contexts, but they do not inherently create the same level of preparedness as anticipating. Verbal control may help in managing a situation but does not directly improve a person's ability to react quickly to an unexpected event.