Question

You are trying to spot the North Star on a long drive, using the signal detection theory, describe the four potential outcomes as you search for the star in the sky. Be specific and include all of the aspects of each outcome.

Answer 1

Answer:

Signal detection theory is used to predict the psychological inclination of patient and an individual is assessed on the basis of their signal detection. An individual is given the right to decide if a stimulus is weak or strong and the psychologists use signal detection theory to evaluate how accurately participants are able to recognize the faintest and strongest stimuli. Hence the potential outcome of searching a North Star in the sky might be different for different individuals.

Explanation:

When the participants are asked to indicate the North Star, the researcher will assess if the decision was correct. For instance, various psychological factors such as attention level, motivation etc. guide the detection of faint stimuli among different individuals. For example, if a participant detects a north star and the signal is incorrect, then we consider it as a false alarm. If the participants did not find the signal and consider it as absent; however the North Star was present, then it is referred to as missed the signal. On the other hand, if the participant identifies no north star on the sky and it is correct, then it is referred to as correct rejection. However, if the participant recognize the North Star and it is actually present, the psychologist will refer to it as a Hit.