Authors: Shortridge, Barbara Gimla; Welch, Robert B.

Source: Cartography and Geographic Information Science, Volume 7, Number 1, April 1980 , pp. 19-23(5)

Publisher: Cartography and Geographic Information Society

Abstract:

Specific instructions in psychophysical studies can be very influential upon results. Subjects in the present study were asked to distinguish between two solid black dots on a map on the basis of one of three sets of instructions. Under Condition 1 they were forced to choose one or the other of the dots as larger. Under Condition 2 they were allowed, in addition, to respond "Same." Finally, under Condition 3 they were led to expect that some answers should be "Same." A larger physical difference between dots was necessary with each successive condition before subjects could consistently detect the difference. These results fit well within the framework of signal detection theory, according to which a subject's responses are determined by his decision criterion (as well as perceptual sensitivity). It is recommended that test instructions attempt to elicit a decision criterion similar to that in effect during actual map reading.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1559/152304080784522847

Publication date: 1980-04-01

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