Previous
What is "signal detection theory"?
Signal detection theory originated in the field of electronics, and grew out of work on radar detection during World War II. In the 1950s scientists realized that the theory could be applied to decision-making in humans and other animals.
All signals are affected by some form of "noise" or uncertainty. In some cases the signal itself is inherently "noisy;" in other, correctly receiving a signal is complicated by a competing (overlapping) signal that you do NOT want to receive.
Correct detection of signals requires compromises in handling this uncertainty.
What does this have to do with bumblebees and flowers?
Top
of page