What does signal-detection theory take into account that classical psychophysical theory did not?
A) absolute and difference thresholds
B) sensitivity and response criterion
C) Weber's and Fechner's laws
D) transduction and detection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Signal-detection theory takes into account both sensitivity (the ability to differentiate between a signal and noise) and response criterion (the willingness to respond to a signal), whereas classical psychophysical theory only focuses on absolute and difference thresholds. Option A is incorrect because classical psychophysical theory deals with thresholds, not signal detection. Option C references the laws of psychophysics that are part of classical psychophysical theory. Option D refers to the process of converting stimuli from the environment into neural signals (transduction) and the subsequent detection of those signals, which is discussed in both classical and signal-detection theories.

What Does Signal-Detection Theory Take into Account That Classical Psychophysical