Benefits of response time-extended multinomial processing tree models: A reply to Starns (2018)

Abstract

In his comment on Heck and Erdfelder ( 2016 , Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23, 1440–1465), Starns ( 2018 , Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 25, 2406–2416) focuses on the response time-extended two-high-threshold (2HT-RT) model for yes-no recognition tasks, a specific example for the general class of response time-extended multinomial processing tree models (MPT-RTs) we proposed. He argues that the 2HT-RT model cannot accommodate the speed–accuracy trade-off, a key mechanism in speeded recognition tasks. As a remedy, he proposes a specific discrete-state model for recognition memory that assumes a race mechanism for detection and guessing. In this reply, we clarify our motivation for using the 2HT-RT model as an example and highlight the importance and benefits of MPT-RTs as a flexible class of general-purpose, simple-to-use models. By binning RTs into discrete categories, the MPT-RT approach facilitates the joint modeling of discrete responses and response times in a variety of psychological paradigms. In fact, many paradigms either lack a clear-cut accuracy criterion or show performance levels at ceiling, making corrections for incautious responding redundant. Moreover, we show that some forms of speed–accuracy trade-off can in fact not only be accommodated but also be measured by appropriately designed MPT-RTs.