A diffusion model account of the transfer-of-training effect

We revisit a transfer-of-training study and analyze its data using a cognitive modeling approach. Fitting a diffusion model to participant behavior over sessions allows conclusions as to the underlying causes of behavioral changes—be they changes in cognitive strategies, adaptation to the paradigm, increasing familiarity with the stimuli, or speed of information processing. Our diffusion model analysis revealed that participants simultaneously adapt speed-accuracy trade-off, increase their non-decisional response speed, and increase their speed of information processing. All three of these adaptations transferred to a similar, non-trained outcome task.

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