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The simplest complete model of choice response time: linear ballistic accumulation
Scott D Brown1, Andrew Heathcote
1School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. scott.brown@newcastle.edu.au
Cognitive Psychology
|February 5, 2008
Summary
We introduce a Linear Ballistic Accumulator (LBA) model for decision-making and reaction time. This simpler model offers analytic solutions for choice tasks, successfully explaining complex empirical data.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Computational Neuroscience
- Mathematical Psychology
Background:
- Existing models of decision-making and reaction time often face a complexity-completeness trade-off.
- Accurately modeling choice response time across various task complexities remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a new, simpler model for decision-making and reaction time: the Linear Ballistic Accumulator (LBA).
- To provide a computationally tractable and analytically solvable model applicable to both binary and multiple-choice situations.
Main Methods:
- Developed the Linear Ballistic Accumulator (LBA) model featuring independent accumulators racing towards a common threshold with linear, deterministic activity increase.
- Derived complete analytic solutions for choices involving any number of alternatives.
- Applied the LBA model to analyze data from five previously published experiments.
Main Results:
- The LBA model demonstrates a simpler architecture compared to existing models.
- The model provides complete analytic solutions, facilitating application to diverse choice scenarios.
- The LBA successfully explained empirical phenomena in both binary and multiple-choice tasks that were problematic for other models.
Conclusions:
- The LBA model offers a parsimonious yet powerful framework for understanding decision-making and reaction time.
- The model's analytic tractability and empirical success suggest it is a valuable addition to the field.
- Freely available computer code enhances the model's accessibility and encourages further research and application.
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