Abstract
The change detection paradigm is a popular way of measuring visual short-term memory capacity. Using the
paradigm, researchers have found evidence for a capacity of about four independent visual objects, confirming
classic estimates that were based on the number of items that could be reported. Here, we determine the
reliability of capacity measures found by change detection. We derive theoretical predictions of the variance of
the capacity estimates and show how they depend on the number of items to be remembered and the guessing
strategy of the observer. We compare the theoretically derived variance to the variance estimated over repeated
blocks of trials with the same observer and find close correspondence between predicted and observed variances.
Also, we propose a new version of the two-alternative choice change detection paradigm, in which the
choice is unforced. This new paradigm reduces the variance of the capacity estimate substantially.
paradigm, researchers have found evidence for a capacity of about four independent visual objects, confirming
classic estimates that were based on the number of items that could be reported. Here, we determine the
reliability of capacity measures found by change detection. We derive theoretical predictions of the variance of
the capacity estimates and show how they depend on the number of items to be remembered and the guessing
strategy of the observer. We compare the theoretically derived variance to the variance estimated over repeated
blocks of trials with the same observer and find close correspondence between predicted and observed variances.
Also, we propose a new version of the two-alternative choice change detection paradigm, in which the
choice is unforced. This new paradigm reduces the variance of the capacity estimate substantially.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Psychonomic Bulletin & Review |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1000-1010 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| ISSN | 1069-9384 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Visual Short-Term Memory