Cognitive aspects of information processing: III. Set for speed versus accuracy.

Abstract

Examines the capacity of Os to adapt to changes in the relative emphasis on speed vs. accuracy of responses. 3 matched groups of 6 Os each were trained for 3 days in a choice reaction-time (RT) task, with feedback indicating both speed and accuracy. Emphasis on speed decreased mean RT but increased errors. A control group, working without an exact payoff or immediate feedback, showed somewhat greater within- and between-S variability than did either the speed or accuracy groups and was at an intermediate level on all performance measures. Similar distributions of RTs were found for correct responses and for errors as was predicted by a sequential sampling and decision model of choice RT. RT distributions for all Os were approximately normal under a set for speed, but under accuracy instructions some Os gave highly skewed distributions. (21 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)