Lecture 5 - Signal detection theory

Question 1

Signal detection theory definition

Answer 1

a method for measuring a system’s ability to detect patterns/stimuli/signals in information despite background noise

Question 2

signal detection theory of decision making - two components?

Answer 2

• sensitivity/discriminatory

decision criteria

Question 3

problem with evaluating decisions

Answer 3

strength of evidence is continuous but we still have to make black and white decisions

Question 4

second problem with evaluating decisions

Answer 4

components of a decision does not immediately give us a way of evaluating decisions

Question 5

general theory of how decision is made

Answer 5

o The process involved in making decisions
o How those processes relate to different types of outcomes (errors of one sort or another)
o How values impact on decisions

Question 6

whats the continuous evidence we would use to detect illness (signal detection theory)

Answer 6

sleep, makeup, lighting, physical exertion, strength of immune response

Question 7

when evaluating a decision:

Answer 7

continuous evidence
setting a criterion
decipher between noise vs signal

Question 8

what is the difference between two means

Answer 8

d prime