Professor Michael J. Hautus
School of Psychology, The University of Auckland
Director, Psychophysics Laboratory
Michael J. Hautus is a professor in experimental psychology at the University of Auckland. Research focuses on sensory and decision processes, with particular emphasis on psychophysics, signal detection theory (SDT), and quantitative methods for analysing discrimination and preference judgements.
Research projects
Preference and discrimination in two-alternative tasks
Two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) and related tasks are widely used in psychophysics and sensory evaluation. Current work examines how preference judgments can be modelled within the same SDT framework used for discrimination, and how sensitivity and bias can be estimated when task instructions and response constraints differ.
SDT tools for researchers and students
This work develops practical tools and teaching resources that support the use of SDT in research settings, including software, worked examples, and guidance on common design and analysis decisions.
Modelling and estimation for ROC analysis
Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methods are used to characterise detection performance across decision criteria. Current work examines estimation and inference under equal-variance and unequal-variance Gaussian SDT models, with emphasis on robust inference and transparent diagnostics.
Olfaction and autonomic measures
Olfaction research examines perception and decision processes in odour tasks, including how task structure and route of stimulation influence performance and experience. Current directions emphasise relationships between olfactory processing and autonomic measures.
Software
SDT Assistant
SDT Assistant is a Windows application for SDT analysis and related methods.