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Multisensory decisions : the test of a race model, its logic, and power

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Date
01/2017
Author
Otto, Thomas
Mamassian, Pascal
Keywords
Logic gates
Perceptual decision making
Race model
Multisensory processing
Probability summation
Redundant signals effect
Reaction time
Modality switching
BF Psychology
T-NDAS
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Abstract
The use of separate multisensory signals is often beneficial. A prominent example is the speed-up of responses to two redundant signals relative to the components, which is known as the redundant signals effect (RSE). A convenient explanation for the effect is statistical facilitation, which is inherent in the basic architecture of race models (Raab, 1962). However, this class of models has been largely rejected in multisensory research, which we think results from an ambiguity in definitions and misinterpretations of the influential race model test (Miller, 1982). To resolve these issues, we here discuss four main items. First, we clarify definitions and ask how successful models of perceptual decision making can be extended from uni- to multisensory decisions. Second, we review the race model test and emphasize elements leading to confusion with its interpretation. Third, we introduce a new approach to study the RSE. As a major change of direction, our working hypothesis is that the basic race model architecture is correct even if the race model test seems to suggest otherwise. Based on this approach, we argue that understanding the variability of responses is the key to understand the RSE. Finally, we highlight the critical role of model testability to advance research on multisensory decisions. Despite being largely rejected, it should be recognized that race models, as part of a broader class of parallel decision models, demonstrate, in fact, a convincing explanatory power in a range of experimental paradigms. To improve research consistency in the future, we conclude with a short checklist for RSE studies.
Citation
Otto , T & Mamassian , P 2017 , ' Multisensory decisions : the test of a race model, its logic, and power ' , Multisensory Research , vol. 30 , no. 1 , pp. 1–24 . https://doi.org/10.1163/22134808-00002541
Publication
Multisensory Research
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1163/22134808-00002541
ISSN
2213-4794
Type
Journal article
Rights
© T. U. Otto and P. Mamassian, 2016. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
Description
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement number 214728-2) and from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/N010108/1).
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  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/9623

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