The paradigm and the fuzzy logical model of perception are alive and well

Abstract

Cutting, Bruno, Brady, and Moore (1992) criticized the paradigm for inquiry and the fuzzy logical model of perception (FLMP) presented in Massaro (1988a). In this reply to their remarks, it is shown that (a) the properties of the paradigm are ideal for inquiry; (b) models are best tested against the results of individual subjects and not average group data; (c) model fitting and analysis of variance do not give contradictory results; (d) the FLMP can be proven false and does not have a superpower to predict a plethora of functions or to absorb random variability; and (e) various extraneous characteristics of a model, such as equation length, cannot account for the success of the FLMP. On the other hand, the empirical findings of Cutting et al. give important new properties of pattern recognition. Finally, Cutting's theory of directed perception is compared with the FLMP.