Learning Objectives

After studying Chapter 2, the student should be able to

1.
2.

Describe the most likely effects of a sluggish beta pattern, and offer some possible
explanations for its occurrence.
Explain how noise and signal distributions can govern a subjects sensitivity level.

3.

Name some of the ways that sensitivity and signal strength can affect the receiver operating
characteristic (ROC) curve when conducting a signal detection theory (SDT) experiment.

4.

Identify and describe the method of sensitivity that should be used when data points are
limited and evidence exists for strong bias.

5.

Describe fuzzy Signal Detection Theory (SDT), and explain why it is often used to analyze
human performance in real-world situations.

6.

Identify two major benefits of using SDT to analyze human performance.

7.

Explore the diagnostic value of SDT as it relates to three specific areas of application: Medical
diagnosis, eyewitness testimony, and alarm design.

8.

Based on the results of major experimental studies in vigilance, describe several of the most
common influences on sensitivity, and identify two major factors affecting response bias.

9.

With regard to vigilance tasks: Identify several techniques for improving sensitivity.

10. Describe several methods useful for optimizing the response criterion.
11. Consider the basic conclusions drawn from research in absolute judgment, and suggest some
general methods for improving operator performance and accuracy.
12. Compare and contrast the use of orthogonal vs. correlated dimensions of a given stimulus. For
each one, explain the main advantages and disadvantages of using it to communicate
information.
13. Describe the concepts of integral vs. separable dimensions, and provide several examples of
each.