ABSTRACT
Psychophysics, the study of the relationship between physical stimuli and their subjective psychological perception, originated with Gustav Fechner in 1850. Fechner's pioneering work was the first to quantify the connection between material sensations and mental experiences and laid the foundation for experimental psychology. Signal Detection Theory (SDT), developed a century later, enables quantifying ability independently of performance by separating sensitivity from response bias. This powerful tool finds applications across diverse fields, including diagnostics, epidemiology, machine learning, sensory evaluation, and psychology. This inaugural lecture will elucidate key aspects of SDT while chronicling the evolution of my scholarly pursuits. Audience members will gain insights into the past, present, and future trajectories of SDT and the shifting focus of my research career. The talk highlights the enduring relevance of SDT and its pivotal role in advancing our understanding of perception, decision-making, and quantitative psychology.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Michael Hautus specialises in psychophysics and signal detection theory. As the director of the Psychophysics Laboratory at the University of Auckland’s School of Psychology, he focuses on sensory and perceptual systems research and modelling detection and discrimination judgments. Michael has also researched sensory evaluation, auditory neuroscience, pain, memory, and decision science. His most-valued works include the 3rd edition of Detection Theory: A User's Guide and the specialised software SDT Assistant, which enables broader implementation of the techniques of signal detection theory.
Refreshments will be served in the basement foyer of building 303 (303-B00L2) from 5:45PM, prior to the lecture.
