The Use of Choice-Reaction-Time Models in the Analysis of Detection Tasks

Abstract

The information processing models used in the analysis of choice-reaction-time tasks are limited in their applicability to real detection tasks because the models are task dependent. The linear relationships between time and information processed in one task have not been extended to detection tasks in general. This paper examines a model for making the information processing models more general. Parameters relating to detection tasks are divided into two categories; those that influence the intercept (basic detection time) and those that influence the slope (information processing rate).

Variables chosen for investigation were target size, target location certainty, distracting visual images, and average information content in the stimulus. Results indicated that target size, location certainty, and distracting images definitely affect “basic detection time.” It was also indicated that information-processing time, established by information content, was not greatly affected by those variables. An exception occurs with high levels of distracting images (clutter) which adds significant search time to a task.