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 Instructions file. 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.

Write a 2–3-page paper in Word format. Be sure to include a title page and a reference page. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M1_A3.doc. For example, if your name is John Smith, your document will be named SmithJ_M1_A3.doc.

By Wednesday, September 14, 2016, deliver your assignment to the M1: Assignment 3 Dropbox.

Cognitive Psychology Online Laboratory. CogLab 2.0 Online Laboratory. Wadsworth.

Assignment 3 Grading Criteria

Maximum Points

Accurately defined the terms related to signal detection theory.

4

Calculated the miss rate and the false rate based on the hit rate and correct-rejection rate.

12

Evaluated your individual sensitivity measures with regard to accuracy rates.

16

Identified the noise present while completing the task and explained how it affected the performance on the task.

16

Identified three jobs that require the employee to accurately detect signals to effectively do the job and where signal detection methods were used to evaluate performance.

16

Summarized two other research methods for measuring detection and examined if signal detection theory is superior to those methods.

16

Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

20

Total:

100

Signal Detection Theory, psychology assignment