Modeling panel detection frequencies by queuing system theory: an application in gas chromatography olfactometry.
In continuous vigilance tasks, the number of coincident panel responses to stimuli provides an index of stimulus detectability. To determine whether this number is due to chance, panel noise levels have been approximated by the maximum coincidence level obtained in stimulus-free conditions. This study proposes an alternative method by which to assess noise levels, derived from queuing system theory (QST). Instead of critical coincidence levels, QST modeling estimates the duration of coinciding responses in the absence of stimuli. The proposed method has the advantage over previous approaches that it yields more reliable noise estimates and allows for statistical testing. The method was applied in an olfactory detection experiment using 16 panelists in stimulus-present and stimulus-free conditions. We propose that QST may be used as an alternative to signal detection theory for analyzing data from continuous vigilance tasks.
Bult
Johannes H F
JH
Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, The Netherlands. harold.bult@wur.nl
van Putten
Bram
B
Schifferstein
Hendrik N J
HN
Roozen
Jacques P
JP
Voragen
Alphons G J
AG
Kroeze
Jan H A
JH
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D016011:Normal Distribution; D009812:Odorants; D011930:Reaction Time; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012903:Smell; D013598:Systems Theory