Signal Detection Theory (SDT; Green & Swets, 1966) is a well-established method for understanding performance on decision making tasks. Despite its popularity within the human factors community, this method does not take into account the dynamic nature of decision making and the speed-accuracy tradeoffs that affect performance (Balakrishnan, Busemeyer, MacDonald, & Lin, 2003). This study tested a model of decision making that accounts for the dynamic processes affecting performance. Tested within the applied context of an Air Traffic Control conflict detection task, the model provided a viable explanation of conflict decisions and decision times across a range of experimental conditions. At a practical level, a successful model of conflict detection may inform the development and assessment of design attempts aimed at assisting controllers achieve optimal performance outcomes and reduce their workload.
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