Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

In signal detection theory, what error is characterized as a false positive?

1. Type II error

2. Type I error

3. Detection error

4. Missed detection

The correct answer is: Type I error

In signal detection theory, a false positive occurs when a signal is incorrectly identified as being present when it is not. This is specifically labeled as a Type I error. In this context, a Type I error signifies the failure to distinguish between noise and a signal, leading to a scenario where the individual mistakenly believes they have detected a signal. This concept is foundational in understanding how judgments are made in uncertain environments, and it emphasizes the importance of threshold settings for detection. When a person sets their threshold for detection too low, they may become overly sensitive to potential signals, resulting in more frequent false alarms—hence, the occurrence of a false positive. Understanding this error is crucial for interpreting results in various fields, including psychology and medicine, as it can have significant implications for decision-making processes.