118,259 research outputs found
Tree models for difference and change detection in a complex environment
A new family of tree models is proposed, which we call "differential trees."
A differential tree model is constructed from multiple data sets and aims to
detect distributional differences between them. The new methodology differs
from the existing difference and change detection techniques in its
nonparametric nature, model construction from multiple data sets, and
applicability to high-dimensional data. Through a detailed study of an arson
case in New Zealand, where an individual is known to have been laying
vegetation fires within a certain time period, we illustrate how these models
can help detect changes in the frequencies of event occurrences and uncover
unusual clusters of events in a complex environment.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/12-AOAS548 the Annals of
Applied Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aoas/) by the Institute of
Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org
The Role of Response Bias in Perceptual Learning
Sensory judgments improve with practice. Such perceptual learning is often thought to reflect an increase in perceptual sensitivity. However, it may also represent a decrease in response bias, with unpracticed observers acting in part on a priori hunches rather than sensory evidence. To examine whether this is the case, 55 observers practiced making a basic auditory judgment (yes/no amplitude-modulation detection or forced-choice frequency/amplitude discrimination) over multiple days. With all tasks, bias was present initially, but decreased with practice. Notably, this was the case even on supposedly “bias-free,” 2-alternative forced-choice, tasks. In those tasks, observers did not favor the same response throughout (stationary bias), but did favor whichever response had been correct on previous trials (nonstationary bias). Means of correcting for bias are described. When applied, these showed that at least 13% of perceptual learning on a forced-choice task was due to reduction in bias. In other situations, changes in bias were shown to obscure the true extent of learning, with changes in estimated sensitivity increasing once bias was corrected for. The possible causes of bias and the implications for our understanding of perceptual learning are discussed
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