A theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal) amid background noise (other stimuli). It involves decision-making processes as well as sensory processes.
Related terms
False Alarm: In signal detection theory, this refers to an instance where one perceives a signal when none was present.
Hit Rate: The rate at which true signals are detected correctly in signal detection theory.
Discrimination Threshold: The smallest difference between two stimuli that can be consistently detected.