Spreadsheet signal detection

A number of studies in perception, attention, and memory employ signal detection theory (SDT) to assess the accuracy of an observer’s detection or discrimination performance. Some of the problems that students have with understanding and using SDT are associated with the calculations needed to obtain SDT parameters and predictions. All of these calculations, plus the simulation of SDT processes, can be performed using a spreadsheet application program, such as Excel or Quattro Pro. This paper offers a short tutorial on how to use a spreadsheet program to increase your students’ knowledge and understanding of SDT.