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Parameter Dependencies in an Accumulation-to-Threshold Model of Simple Perceptual Decisions

Nikitin, Vyacheslav Y
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3448-0597
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1442166546

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Psychology.
It is a common assumption in sequential sampling models of simple perceptual decisions that parameters are statistically independent across trials. This thesis addresses theoretical and empirical implications of assuming statistically dependent parameters. Three questions are answered: how to formulate flexible multivariate distributions of parameters of sequential sampling models, what are the predictive consequences of parameter dependencies for mean sample paths and joint distribution of responses and response times, and what correlation matrix is consistent with a benchmark dataset collected from a brightness discrimination task without explicit correlation manipulations. The key to studying dependent parameters is a flexible framework of copulas that allow arbitrary combinations of dependence structures with marginal distributions. Adding correlations to a widely-used diffusion model shows that initial points and absorption times of mean sample paths can be strongly affected by correlations. Whereas the impact of correlation on the joint distribution of behavior is potentially strong adjustment of asymmetry in reaction time distributions of the two responses. Finally, in an experiment without explicit manipulation of correlations, the posterior distribution is consistent with small to moderate correlations between parameters. Thus, under typical experimental conditions, the usual assumption of statistical independence is an adequate simplification of how parameters of simple decision making vary across trials.
Patricia Van Zandt (Advisor)
Edwards Michael (Committee Member)
Myung Jay (Committee Member)
De Boeck Paul (Committee Member)
220 p.
Quantitative Psychology
drift-diffusion model; copulas; parameter dependencies; reaction times; Bayesian inference; adaptive Metropolis-Hastings

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nikitin, V. Y. (2015). Parameter Dependencies in an Accumulation-to-Threshold Model of Simple Perceptual Decisions [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1442166546

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nikitin, Vyacheslav. Parameter Dependencies in an Accumulation-to-Threshold Model of Simple Perceptual Decisions. 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1442166546.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nikitin, Vyacheslav. "Parameter Dependencies in an Accumulation-to-Threshold Model of Simple Perceptual Decisions." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1442166546

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1442166546
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.