The Role of Response Bias in Perceptual Learning

Autor/inn/en	Jones, Pete R.; Moore, David R.; Shub, Daniel E.; Amitay, Sygal
Titel	The Role of Response Bias in Perceptual Learning
Quelle	In: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 41 (2015) 5, S.1456-1470 (15 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0278-7393
DOI	10.1037/xlm0000111
Schlagwörter	Task Analysis; Perceptual Development; Responses; Learning Processes; Role; Bias; Performance; Decision Making; Auditory Stimuli; Auditory Perception; Foreign Countries; Statistical Analysis; United Kingdom (Nottingham) + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Aufgabenanalyse; Wahrnehmungsentwicklung; Learning process; Lernprozess; Rollen; Achievement; Leistung; Decision-making; Entscheidungsfindung; Auditive Stimulation; Auditive Wahrnehmung; Akustische Wahrnehmung; Akustik; Ausland; Statistische Analyse
Abstract	Sensory judgments improve with practice. Such perceptual learning is often thought to reflect an increase in perceptual sensitivity. However, it may also represent a decrease in response bias, with unpracticed observers acting in part on a priori hunches rather than sensory evidence. To examine whether this is the case, 55 observers practiced making a basic auditory judgment (yes/no amplitude-modulation detection or forced-choice frequency/amplitude discrimination) over multiple days. With all tasks, bias was present initially, but decreased with practice. Notably, this was the case even on supposedly "bias-free," 2-alternative forced-choice, tasks. In those tasks, observers did not favor the same response throughout (stationary bias), but did favor whichever response had been correct on previous trials (nonstationary bias). Means of correcting for bias are described. When applied, these showed that at least 13% of perceptual learning on a forced-choice task was due to reduction in bias. In other situations, changes in bias were shown to obscure the true extent of learning, with changes in estimated sensitivity increasing once bias was corrected for. The possible causes of bias and the implications for our understanding of perceptual learning are discussed. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01