ATTENTION THRESHOLD MODEL

1. 1. The attention threshold model is a modified version of a previously proposed choice model called the choice threshold model. It arose as an attempt to explain a puzzling feature of the original model. 2. 2. The assumptions of the attention threshold model are listed. These seem quite complex, but the complexity is needed to preserve the predictive properties of the original model. 3. 3. The assumptions of the attention threshold model are given formal algebraic expression with respect to a particular hypothetical example. 4. 4. Predictions which follow from this algebraic treatment are discussed and compared with experimental evidence, mostly taken from the literature. These are: (a) a prediction about the effect of irrelevant cues on preference strength; (b) a prediction about additivity of cues ('heterogeneous summation'); (c) a prediction about opposition of cues ('heterogeneous subtraction'); and (d) various predictions about response latency. 5. 5. The model is assessed according to the success of its predictions. © 1969.