Detection Theory: A User's Guide is an introduction to one of the most important tools for the analysis of data where choices must be made and performance is not perfect. In these cases, detection theory can transform judgments about subjective experiences, such as perceptions and memories, into quantitative data ready for analysis and modeling.

For beginners, the first three chapters introduce measuring detection and discrimination, evaluating decision criteria, and the utility of receiver operating characteristics. Later chapters cover more advanced research paradigms, including: complete tools for application, including flowcharts, tables, and software; student-friendly language; complete coverage of content area, including both one-dimensional and multidimensional models; integrated treatment of threshold and nonparametric approaches; an organized, tutorial level introduction to multidimensional detection theory; and popular discrimination paradigms presented as applications of multidimensional detection theory.

This modern summary of signal detection theory is both a self-contained reference work for users and a readable text for graduate students and researchers learning the material either in courses or on their own.

About the Author

Michael J. Hautus is Head of the Psychophysics Laboratory in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. His research interests include quantitative assessment of the functioning of the auditory system, modeling auditory, visual, and flavor judgment, and modeling cognitive processes involved in judgment.

Neil A. Macmillan is a retired Professor of Psychology at Brooklyn College, USA. C. Douglas Creelman, deceased, was a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Canada. Both of them were privileged to study with founders of detection theory: Creelman with Wilson Tanner and John Swets at the University of Michigan, Macmillan with David Green and Duncan Luce at the University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews

"The second edition of Detection Theory has been my invaluable companion for many years. It has always been in easy reach to answer my questions. Now that book will move to a place of honored retirement as I call on this new and improved third edition to guide me." -- Jeremy Wolfe, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, USA

"The great value of signal detection theory is that it protects you from the dangerous intuitions you will almost certainly otherwise have. After these erroneous intuitions are used to interpret data or build a theory, they will eventually be corrected by someone who knows the difference between d' and . It would be better to avoid that fate, and the best way to do that is to carefully study this comprehensive handbook." -- John Wixted, University of California, San Diego, USA

"Signal detection theory was developed in the context of research in sensory psychology, but its impact quickly spread to many other areas, in part because the two previous editions of this book provided such a clear explanation of the theory along with a review of its many applications. This third edition of Detection Theory: A User's Guide has been thoroughly updated and will continue to be an invaluable reference and textbook." -- Walt Jesteadt, Boys Town National Research Hospital, USA

"More than anything else, this book has served as a signpost for my research career. It's that powerful; the tools that general." -- Caren Rotello, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA

"The second edition of Detection Theory has been my invaluable companion for many years. It has always been in easy reach to answer my questions. Now that book will move to a place of honored retirement as I call on this new and improved third edition to guide me."

Jeremy Wolfe, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, USA

"The great value of signal detection theory is that it protects you from the dangerous intuitions you will almost certainly otherwise have. After these erroneous intuitions are used to interpret data or build a theory, they will eventually be corrected by someone who knows the difference between d' and . It would be better to avoid that fate, and the best way to do that is to carefully study this comprehensive handbook."

John Wixted, University of California, San Diego, USA

"Signal detection theory was developed in the context of research in sensory psychology, but its impact quickly spread to many other areas, in part because the two previous editions of this book provided such a clear explanation of the theory along with a review of its many applications. This third edition of Detection Theory: A User's Guide has been thoroughly updated and will continue to be an invaluable reference and textbook."

Walt Jesteadt, Boys Town National Research Hospital, USA

"More than anything else, this book has served as a signpost for my research career. It's that powerful; the tools that general."

Caren Rotello, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9781138320857
Author Michael J. Hautus
Format Paperback
Page Count 434
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 880g