Multinomial Processing Tree Models

Abstract

Multinomial processing tree (MPT) models have become popular in cognitive psychology in the past two decades. In contrast to general-purpose data analysis techniques, such as log-linear models or other generalized linear models, MPT models are substantively motivated stochastic models for categorical data. They are best described as tools (a) for measuring the cognitive processes that underlie human behavior in various tasks and (b) for testing the psychological assumptions on which these models are based. The present article provides a review of MPT models and their applications in psychology, focusing on recent trends and developments in the past 10 years. Our review is nontechnical in nature and primarily aims at informing readers about the scope and utility of MPT models in different branches of cognitive psychology.

Reconsidering “evidence” for fast-and-frugal heuristics

“…When recognition heuristic use is estimated through the r model, an unbiased measurement model from the class of multinomial processing tree models (Erdfelder et al, 2009), the recognition heuristic cannot adequately describe empirical choice data (from 10 data sets), not even when implemented in a probabilistic fashion (Hilbig, Erdfelder, & Pohl, 2010). Model comparisons using the multiplemeasure maximum-likelihood strategy classification method (Glöckner, 2009;Jekel, Nicklisch, & Glöckner, 2010) show that automatic compensatory processes outperform the recognition heuristic in explaining choices, response latencies, and confidence judgments (Glöckner & Bröder, in press).…”

A diffusion model analysis of task interference effects in prospective memory

“…Models of this kind have been fruitfully applied in various areas of psychology to identify underlying cognitive processes, such as multinomial models in decision making and source memory (see Erdfelder et al, 2009, for a review) or signal detection models (e.g., DeCarlo, 2003;Rotello, Macmillan, & Reeder, 2004). In spite of their usefulness in other areas of cognitive psychology, mathematical models are still underrepresented in PM research (but see Smith & Bayen, 2004), however.…”

Is prospective memory related to depression and anxiety? A hierarchical MPT modelling approach

“…MPT models are useful tools when attempting to unravel latent cognitive processes (Batchelder & Riefer, 1999) and have been applied in various domains of cognitive psychology (see Erdfelder et al, 2009, for a review). Smith and Bayen (2004) developed an MPT model that disentangles the retrospective and prospective components of PM.…”