Examining top-down influences on auditory signal detection: New evidence for the affect of task design on perceptual decisions

Abstract

It is important to investigate top-down factors influencing perceptual processing in auditory signal detections tasks (ASDTs). Various ASDT designs have been used in previous research, yet findings consistently suggest that people who score high on hallucinatory predisposition are more prone to auditory misperceptions. However, interpretation of sound is context-specific, influenced by both expectations and repetition. Consequently, this study investigates the impact of feedback and stimulus exposure on ASDT ability. 217 participants completed an online ASDT. Results of a 3 x 2 ANOVA show that, whilst there are no differences in perceptual sensitivity, participants adopt a more liberal response after sound familiarisation pre-task or visual response feedback on each trial, compared to those in a control condition. Data analysis is ongoing. This research suggests that top-down processes may be used to alter ASDT performance.