Signal Detection theorystates that the perception of sensory stimuli involves the interaction of physical, biological and psychological factors. The intensity of the signal, the degree to which the signal can be distinguished form background noise and the psychological factors like motivation, expectations and learning together will determine the perception.
The intensity of the stimuli is just one of the factors that determine whether people will perceive sensory stimuli or a difference between two signals. Another is the degree to which the signal can be distinguished from background noise. It is easier to hear a friend in a quiet room than in one where people are clinking silverware and glasses and engaging in competining conversations. The quality of a person's bilogical sensory system is still another factor. Here we are concenred with the sharpness or acuteness of the individual's sensory system. We consider whether sensory capacity is fully developed in diminished because of illness or advanced years.
Signal detection theory also considers psychological factors such as motivation, expectations and learning. One psychological factor in signal detection is focusing or narrowing of attention to signals the person deems important.
Signal detection theory emphasizes the psychological aspects of detecting and responding to signals. The relationship between a physical stimulus and sensory response is more than mechanical or mathematical. Training, learning, motivation and many other psychological states such as fatigue or alertness influences the detection of signals to a large extent.
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