Auditory vigilance: The effects of costs and values on signals

Abstract

The effects on signal detection performance of the value of correctly detecting a signal and the costs of a miss and false detection were examined for auditory vigilance behaviour.

Results suggested that poorer detection performance was obtained with increased costs for misses and false detections, while the value placed on the correct detection of a signal had little effect.

The d' statistic of signal detection theory was invariant with both signal costs and time, while β varied with both factors. These results were interpreted to mean that the performance decrement during the vigil was due to an increased strictness in the criterion (β) which the S used for deciding whether or not a signal was present. The cost factors were effective in manipulating performance during the watch by causing changes in the S's decision criteria. Findings from this study unanimously support those predicted by Swets et al's (1961) “Decision Theory” this is suggested as perhaps being the best available basis for a theory of vigilance.