Signal Detection Theory

Definition(s)

Invented at the same time and in conjunction with radar, the science of distinguishing true observations from spurious ones. Signal Detection Theory is widely used in radio engineering and medical diagnostic testing. The terms True Positive, True Negative, False Positive, False Negative, Sensitivity, Specificity, Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, Area Under the ROC Curve, and Internal Response Curve, all arise from Signal Detection Theory. ¹

Notes

1. Maura R. Grossman and Gordon V. Cormack, EDRM page & The Grossman-Cormack Glossary of Technology-Assisted Review, with Foreword by John M. Facciola, U.S. Magistrate Judge, 2013 Fed. Cts. L. Rev. 7 (January 2013).