The sensory sampling model: theoretical developmentsand empirical findings

The article presents the distinction between Thurstonian and Brunswikian errors in judgment, and provides an informal presentation of the sensory sampling model (SESAM) which is premised on this distinction [Juslin, P., & Olsson, H. (1997). Thurstonian and Brunswikian origins of uncertainty in judgement: a sampling model of confidence in sensory discrimination. Psychological Review, 104, 344¯366]. SESAM predicts a disposition towards underestimation of discriminative ability in sensory discrimination tasks not pervasively affected by time pressure or perceptual illusions. This prediction is verified by a review of the literature. A number of recent studies with SESAM are discussed, including the applications to explain the effects of perceptual bias and outcome feedback.