Theory of Signal Detectability as an Interpretive Tool for Psychophysical Data

The theory of signal detectability is examined from the standpoint of determining a set of satisfactory assumptions for the purpose of developing an interpretive tool for use in psycho‐physical experiments. It is concluded that the assumption that the observer attempts to maximize the expected value of the outcome of the experiment is satisfactory for this purpose, and that a set of physical conditions can be established which justify a computation of the detectability of a signal in noise based on a finite sampling plan involving 2WT amplitude values over the open interval, 0 to T.