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Published on: June 3, 2013
Human factors in matching images to standards: assimilation and time order error
1Department of Psychology, University of Berne, Switzerland. achim.elfering@psy.unibe.ch
Objectives:
This study examines recognition performance to depend on image context and time order error. Recognition of standard images is a basic process in medical image analysis.
Methods:
After the presentation of a standard square, 20 subjects identified the standard within a variety of 7 squares. The choice was between the standard and either 3 smaller and 3 larger squares, 5 smaller and 1 larger square, or 5 larger and 1 smaller square (context conditions).
Results:
Multilevel regression analysis showed large individual differences in judgments (P < .001). Context induced assimilation of judgments to the medium-sized square within response options (P < .001). Negative time order error in rapid judgments caused an underestimation of the standard (P < .001).
Conclusions:
Assimilation of judgments and time order error might be a threat to the reliability of medical image analysis. Some procedural recommendations are derived to reduce bias and increase patient safety in radiology.
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