Random search with unequal search rates: Serial and parallel generalizations of McGill's model (Q1086203)

The authors examine a generalization of \textit{W. J. McGill}'s random search model [Stochastic latency mechanisms. In R. D. Luce, R. R. Busch and E. Galanter (eds.), Handbook of mathematical psychology. Vol. I, 309- 360 (1963; Zbl 0128.399)], in which the items in the search area are allowed to vary with respect to accessability. The model to be analyzed is equivalently described as a serial and as a parallel model. Predictions are derived for the means and variances of the interresponse times and for the number of recalls in the time interval [0,t]. The predictions are compared with those obtained using the individual differences generalization of McGill's model proposed by \textit{D. G. Morrison}, J. Math. Psychol. 19, 307-315 (1979; Zbl 0413.62088). Maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters is given and briefly discussed.