Signal Detection Theory in Identifying Human Perception Ranges

Study Notes

Absolute Difference

Represents the difference in intensity between the signal and the noise.

Correct Rejection

Occurs when the participant correctly identifies that a signal is not present.
The participant reports they did not detect a signal, and a signal was indeed absent.

False Alarm (FA)

Occurs when the participant incorrectly identifies that a signal is present.
The participant reports they detected a signal, but a signal was actually absent.

Miss

Occurs when the participant fails to detect a signal that is actually present.
The participant reports they did not detect a signal, but a signal was present.

Response Bins

Signal Detection Theory allows scientists to account for differences in participant expectations (response bins) using a criterion.
This criterion represents an internal threshold used by the participant for deciding whether a signal is present.
Participants with a high criterion require stronger evidence (higher intensity) to report a signal.
Participants with a low criterion, are more willing to report a signal, even if it is weak.
The participant's criterion can be influenced by the frequency of expected events, and external factors such as reward and punishment.

Subliminal Stimuli

Subliminal stimuli fall below the threshold of conscious awareness.
These stimuli can still elicit a response, however, the participant is unaware of this influence.
The participant can still exhibit a change in behaviour due to the influence of subliminal stimuli.
Subliminal stimuli are measured by assessing their ability to influence a participant's choices and biases.

Description

Explore how scientists utilize Signal Detection Theory to identify the range of human perception thresholds. Understand the concepts of absolute and difference thresholds, and how they relate to sensing and perceiving differences in stimulation.