Spreadsheet signal detection

A number of studies in perception, attention, and memory employ signal dete ction theory (SDT) to assess the accuracy of an observer's detection or dis crimination performance. Some of the problems that students have with under standing and using SDT are associated with the calculations needed to obtai n SDT parameters and predictions. All of these calculations, plus the simul ation of SDT processes, can be performed using a spreadsheet application pr ogram, such as Excel or Quattro Pro. This paper offers a short tutorial on how to use a spreadsheet program to increase your students' knowledge and u nderstanding of SDT.