THE EFFECT OF AMPHETAMINE ON THE DETECTABILITY OF SIGNALS IN A VIGILANCE TASK.

Abstract

Ten mg. of dl-amphetamine sulphate or placebo were given to 56 Ss in three successive runs on a vigilance task requiring detection of a brief pause in the steady movement of a clock hand. Signals occurred at a rate of three a minute. Amphetamine had the same effect on the percentage of signals detected as on the detectability of the signals, as measured by d'. The initial level was unchanged, but the decrement was reduced. No evidence of learning was found in later runs. The effects of amphetamine and knowledge of results were additive. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 29, 1964
Accession Number
AD0621185

Entities

People

  • Jane F. Mackworth

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additives (Chemicals)
  • Detection
  • Learning
  • Mental Processes

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Radar Systems Engineering.