Multidimensional signal detection analyses (MSDA) for testing separability and independence: A Pascal program

Abstract

A Pascal (Turbo 6.0) program for testing perceptual separability, decisional separability, and perceptual independence-three types of independence defined in the context of general recognition theory (GRT)-is presented. GRT is essentially a multidimensional extension of signal detectability theory (Green & Swets, 1966) and has been employed in complete-identification experimental paradigms to examine whether information processing of stimulus dimensions is perceptually and/or decisionally separable and/or perceptually independent. The definitions of these different forms of "independence" are provided, the experimental design is described, and the program, MSDA, is described and demonstrated. © 1995 Psychonomic Society, Inc.