Generalizing parametric models by introducing trial-by-trial parameter variability: The case of TVA

TY - JOUR

T1 - Generalizing parametric models by introducing trial-by-trial parameter variability

T2 - The case of TVA

AU - Dyrholm, Mads

AU - Kyllingsbæk, Søren

AU - Espeseth, Thomas

AU - Bundesen, Claus

PY - 2011/12

Y1 - 2011/12

N2 - We identify two biases in the traditional use of Bundesen's Theory of Visual Attention (TVA) and show that they can be substantially reduced by introducing trial-by-trial variability in the model. We analyze whole and partial report data from a comprehensive empirical study with 347 participants and elaborate on Bayesian model selection theory for quantifying the advantage of trial-by-trial generalization in general. The analysis provides strong evidence of trial-by-trial variation in both the VSTM capacity parameter and perceptual threshold parameter of TVA. On average, the VSTM capacity bias was found to be at least half an item, while the perceptual threshold parameter was found to be underestimated by about 2 ms.

AB - We identify two biases in the traditional use of Bundesen's Theory of Visual Attention (TVA) and show that they can be substantially reduced by introducing trial-by-trial variability in the model. We analyze whole and partial report data from a comprehensive empirical study with 347 participants and elaborate on Bayesian model selection theory for quantifying the advantage of trial-by-trial generalization in general. The analysis provides strong evidence of trial-by-trial variation in both the VSTM capacity parameter and perceptual threshold parameter of TVA. On average, the VSTM capacity bias was found to be at least half an item, while the perceptual threshold parameter was found to be underestimated by about 2 ms.

U2 - 10.1016/j.jmp.2011.08.005

DO - 10.1016/j.jmp.2011.08.005

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0022-2496

VL - 55

SP - 416

EP - 429

JO - Journal of Mathematical Psychology

JF - Journal of Mathematical Psychology

IS - 6

ER -