ABSTRACT
Signal Detection Theory (SDT) can be applied, in principle, to any experiment in which error rates are the primary dependent variables. The theory derives its name from its original application in psychology to the detection of weak signals (Green & Swets, 1966), but has since spread widely through cognitive psychology and other behavioral fields. Swets (1988) presented an assessment of the application of detection theory to such diagnostic fields as medical imaging, materials testing, weather forecasting, information retrieval, polygraph lie detection, and aptitude testing.
