An analysis of signal detection and threshold models of source memory

J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. 2000 Nov;26(6):1499-517. doi: 10.1037//0278-7393.26.6.1499.

Abstract

The authors analyzed source memory performance with an unequal-variance signal detection theory model and compared the findings with extant threshold (multinomial and dual-process) models. In 3 experiments, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of source discrimination revealed curvilinear functions, supporting the relative superiority of a continuous signal detection model when compared with a threshold model. This result has implications for both multinomial and dual-process models, both of which assume linear ROCs in their description of source memory performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Mental Processes
  • Perception
  • Signal Detection, Psychological*