The human use of information-I: Signal detection for the case of the signal known exactly

Abstract

A theory of visual detection is developed, based on the model provided by the theory of signal detectability,2 and, more generally, by the theory of statistical decision. Two experiments are reported which test some predictions of the theory for the case of the signal-known-exactly. These experiments demonstrate that the human observer tends toward optimum behavior, where optimum behavior is defined as that behavior which maximizes the expected gain from the decision. Their results show the proportion of correct detections to be dependent upon the proportion of false alarms; they indicate that neural activity is a power function of signal intensity. The data also demand a re-evaluation of the threshhold concept. Predictions are made for the data obtained using two different methods of response, forced-choice end yes-no, and the internal consistency of the theory is demonstrated. The predictions of the theory are compared with contrasting predictions of conventional sensory theory; the data are also related to conventional theory.