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Contents of the Bumblebee Decisions module

Synopsis: This module presents the basics of signal-detection theory and decision-making, using bumblebees as examples. Slide shows and short animations illustrate the concepts, and actual experiments with bumblebees are presented. In the final simulation, the users predicts what the bumblebees will do under different experimental conditions. The user's predictions are then compared to the actual results. The module is about 14 pages long.

1. Introduction: bumblebees must decide what flowers to land on. How do they make those decisions?

1a. Getting started: learning objectives and technical requirements.

2. What is "signal detection theory"?

3. Introduction to the signal detection slide show.

3a. Slide show: signal detection theory and bumblebees.

4. Generalization in pigeons.

5. The "peak shift" phenomenon.

6. Connection between the peak shift and the signal detection utility function.

7. Signal detection parameters and decision-making.

8. Slide show: experimental design of bumblebee experiments.

9. Movie: the results of the "baseline" treatment.

10. "You Predict" introduction.

11. Interactive exercise: you predict how the bees will behave.

12. Wrap-up and references.

13. Summary.

 

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