Sequential choices using signal detection theory can reverse classical predictions

John M McNamara and Pete C Trimmer

Behavioral Ecology, 2019, vol. 30, issue 1, 16-19

Abstract: Intuition and past theory suggest that if dangers become more common then prey should be less bold. But this prediction should be reversed in many biological scenarios. We provide a simple demonstration that the old predictions of signal detection theory should be reversed, even when the same decision-making threshold is used by the animal regardless of its current state of reserves. In other words, more predators result in prey being *more* bold!

Keywords: error management theory; evolution; sequential decision-making; signal detection theory; state-dependence; ROC analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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