Conflict tasks and the diffusion framework: Insight in model constraints based on psychological laws.

摘要: Formal models of decision-making have traditionally focused on simple, two-choice perceptual decisions. To date, one the most influential account this process is Ratcliff's drift diffusion model (DDM). However, extension to more complex decisions not straightforward. In particular, conflicting situations , such as Eriksen, Stroop, or Simon tasks, require control mechanisms that shield cognitive system against distracting information. We adopted a novel strategy constrain response time (RT) by concurrently investigating two well-known empirical laws in conflict both at experimental and modeling levels. The laws, predicted DDM, describe relationship between mean RT (i) target intensity (Pieron's law), (ii) standard deviation (Wagenmakers–Brown's law). Pioneering work has shown Pieron's law holds Stroop task, highlighted an additive compatibility. found similar results Eriksen tasks. Compatibility also violated Wagenmakers–Brown's very particular fashion suggesting common framework. investigate nature com-monality, predictions recent extensions DDM incorporate selective attention were simulated compared results. Both predict violation Fits distributions accuracy data