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Signal Detection Theory: Lawrence Ward P465A
Signal Detection Theory: Lawrence Ward P465A
Lawrence Ward
P465A
1. The problem:
Theory: Data:
Statistical
Threshold 4.5
+"
+"
#! f N (I ) dI = p( fa)
#f SN (I ) dI = p(hit)
Z N =ic
Z SN =ic
we can define a performance measure that is
independent of the decision criterion. This situation is
pictured below:
0.45
d'
N S+N
0.35
Probability Density
0.25
0.15
0.05
0.00
Decision Criterion (ic)
-0.05
-4 -2 0 2 4 6
Decision Variable (I)
M SN − M N
d ' = Z N − Z SN =
σ N ,SN
In order to estimate d’ and the location of the criterion, ic, from the
data, we build this picture from the outcome matrix by associating the
proportions of various outcomes with the areas under the distribution
curves to the right and left of the criterion. Also, in this scheme, the
decision criterion is in z-score units and thus its interpretation depends
on the value of d’. A criterion measure whose interpretation does not
depend on d’ is called β and is calculated as the ratio of the heights of
the two curves where the criterion crosses them (see below).
5.1 Notation:
5.11 P(HIT) is the proportion of hits; P(FA) is the proportion of false
alarms.
5.12 Z(HIT) (or ZSN in the equations) is the position on the Z axis to
the right of which the area under the signal present curve is equal to P
(HIT) (i.e. solve equation for ZSN); Z(FA) (or ZN in the equations) is
the analogous position for the signal absent curve and P(FA) (i.e. solve
equation for ZN).
5.13 O(HIT) is the height of the signal present curve at the position of
Z(HIT); O(FA) is the height of the signal absent curve at the position
of Z(FA).
5.2 To approximate d':
P( FA)0.14 − (1 − P( FA))0.14
5.22 Z ( FA) = ( −1) ⋅
0.2
5.23 d' = Z(FA) - Z(HIT)
5.3 To approximate ß:
− ( Z ( HIT ) 2 )/ 2
2.718
5.31 O( HIT ) =
2.5
− ( Z ( FA ) 2 )/ 2
2.718
5.32 O( FA) =
2.5