Not so F.A.S.T., Dr. Vickers!

Abstract

Vickers and his co-workers have recently reported studies with a “frequency accrual speed test” (FAST) that was devised to assess individuals' speed or efficiency of sampling of sensory input. According to Vickers, the FAST overcomes some of the limitations of the inspection time (IT) task, a psychophysical measure that has moderate correlations with IQ scores. After several experiments, Vickers concluded that speed of sensory processing is unimportant in FAST (and IT) differences. After a critical review of the FAST's theoretical basis and empirical results, we argue that the FAST is not appropriately described as an equivalent or alternative to IT, and that results from FAST studies are not generalizable to IT. The FAST involves a substantial memory load. Moreover, no studies to date have used appropriate stimulus parameters to allow Vickers' claim that speed of processing is unimportant in FAST (and IT) variance. The FAST, we suggest, has moderate correlations with IQ-type test because it is a complex, high-level task that is poorly parameterized. Specific hypotheses are formulated based on our understanding of the nature of the FAST. For those who wish to understand the information processing bases of higher order abilities the IT task (also devised by Vickers) continues to afford a better focus of study.