Assignment 3: Signal Detection Theory

Signal detection theory originally grew out of the development of radar and communications technology. It was adapted by psychologists to explain certain aspects of sensation and perception processes that previous theories did not encompass. Signal detection theory models the decision-making process you would use when you want to decide between two different categories of stimuli. For example, you have to decide whether a person seen in a café (the stimulus) is a friend or a stranger (the categories).

Throughout this course, you will access a Cognitive Psychology Online Laboratory (CogLab) demonstration to explore some of the theories and processes of sensation and perception through a hands-on approach. This assignment is your first CogLab activity.

Click here to download the CogLab program.zip file to install this program. You may also download the CogLab Instructionsfile. After installing the program, launch it. Then, refer to the CogLab Student Manual.

Access the CogLab demonstration “Signal Detection” and follow the instructions to complete the demonstration.

Using the CogLab manual, the textbook and module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, research signal detection theory.

Based on the CogLab demonstration and your research, address the following:

• Define the following terms in relation to signal detection theory: hit, miss, false alarm, and correct rejection.
• An individual’s hit rate is .79 and correct-rejection rate is .71. Find out his/her miss rate and false alarm rate.
• Examine your individual sensitivity measures for each of the three conditions (144, 400, and 900 noise dots). Describe what these numbers indicate regarding your accuracy rates.
• Signal detection theory assumes that a signal is always accompanied by a certain amount of noise. Identify the “noise” that was present when you completed the task. Explain how it affected your performance on the task. Identify at least two sources of noise for the detection of an audio signal.
• Name at least three jobs that require the employee to accurately detect signals to effectively do the job. This means that signal detection methods could be used to evaluate performance.
• Summarize at least two other research methods for measuring detection. Give your opinion on whether the signal detection theory is superior to these. Give reasons to support your answer