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Signal detection theory used
in psychotherapy: an example
Hilary Jo Karp
University of Houston - Clear Lake, USA
Signal detection theory allows
for the separate analysis of sensitivity to and response bias
in the presence of an ambiguous stimulus. Behavioral consequences
are examined within a two-by-two payoff matrix comparing outcomes
for Hits (correct identifications), Misses (false negatives),
False Alarms (false positives), and Correct Rejections (correct
non-identifications). Due to the overlap in stimuli inherent
in an ambiguous situation, increases in Hits are always accompanied
by increases in False Alarms.
Pavlov's demonstrations of "experimental neurosis"
in the presence of ambiguous stimuli that could signal reinforcers
or aversive stimuli suggest a paradigm for understanding certain
clinical problems. A therapy client with social anxiety was found
to experience that anxiety in situations where he was not sure
if a sexual or a non-sexual response was being occasioned. The
client kept records of ambiguous situations in a payoff matrix
format. Joint analysis of the records allowed the client to observe
the consequences for both correct and incorrect responses, and
to try out various behavioral options. His success in self-experimentation
led to a more assertive, less anxious analysis of his social
situation.
Keywords: psychotherapy, signal
detection theory, constructional approach, social anxiety |