A recruitment theory of simple behavior

A statistical theory of choice is developed using a sequential sampling assumption. Response latency distributions for certain simple reaction-time situations are derived and tested. Both response probability and response latency measures are developed for a two-alternative judgment situation and the relationship between the two measures explored. The sampling parameter is proposed as a means of representing incentive conditions in choice situations and ROC curves are obtained by appropriate manipulations of this parameter. A solution to the overlap problem in simple discrimination-learning situations is also derived.This research was supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The writer has benefited from discussions with his students, James R. Erickson, James G. Greeno, Duane R. Martin, Kirk H. Smith, and Charles F. Stroebel. For generous suggestions with regard to certain mathematical matters, the writer is indebted to Professors Ingram Olkin, Stephen Orey, and Milton Sobel of the Statistics Department at the University of Minnesota.