Computer-based learning environments can easily collect student response
times. These can be used for multiple purposes, such as modeling student
knowledge and affect, domain modeling, and cheating detection. However, to
fully leverage them, it is essential to understand the properties of response
times and associated caveats. In this study, we delve into the properties of
response time distributions, including the influence of aberrant student
behavior on response times. We then provide an overview of modeling
approaches that use response times and discuss potential applications of
response times for guiding the adaptive behavior of learning environments.