The Magical Number Seven and Some Other Features of Category Scaling: Properties of a Model for Absolute Judgment

Abstract A model for absolute judgment is presented. This is derived from a theory of the processes which set and maintain response criteria ( M. Treisman & T. C. Williams, 1984 , Psychological Review , 91 , 68–111) which has been applied to a number of problems in psychophysics. A Thurstonian model is assumed as a basis for absolute judgment, and criterion-setting theory is applied to the criteria in this model. The question is then considered, to what extent can such a model account for the main findings that have been obtained in category scaling? The range of explanations that the model can provide is investigated by means of computer simulation. It appears that features such as the upper limit on information transmission as the number of stimuli increases, the effect of stimulus range on information transmission, the accuracy edge effect, the resolution edge effect, the central tendency of judgment, stimulus and response dependencies, and related phenomena can be reproduced by simulations of the model.

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