SIGNAL-DETECTION ANALYSIS OF THE IDEAL GROUP

Theorems derived from the Theory of Signal Detectability are applied t o the group decision problem. These theorems specify the behavior of t he Ideal Group-the group having the highest achievable detection perfo rmance given an array of members with specified individual indices of detectability. Equations are provided for relating group performance t o (1) the size of the group, (2) the detectability indices of the indi vidual members, and (3) the correlation between member observations of the stimulus. The efficiency of real groups, such as juries and commi ttees, is briefly discussed. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.