dynConfiR: An R package for sequential sampling models of decision confidence

The modeling of response times using sequential sampling models has a long history. Because choices, confidence judgments, and reaction times are closely linked in perceptual decisions, it seems only natural to simultaneously model these three outcome variables of a decision. In the package dynConfiR, we implemented various sequential sampling models of choice, response time, and decision confidence in R. This paper gives an overview of the package, which provides probability density functions as well as high-level functions for fitting parameters to empirical data, prediction of reaction time and response distributions, and simulation of artificial data sets. We describe the mathematical specifications of the implemented models and provide detailed descriptions of the implemented likelihood functions. In addition, we outline the workflow for applying the model to empirical data step-by-step: data preprocessing, model fitting, model prediction, quantitative model comparison, and visual assessment of model predictions. Finally, we present results from parameter and model recovery analyses and assess the precision of probability density calculations, illustrating the robustness of the implemented computations. Offering intuitive usability and high flexibility, the package is targeted at researchers in the fields of decision-making and confidence and does not require expert-level programming skills.

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Publication Details

Journal
Behavior Research Methods
Published
2026-05-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-026-03013-0
Primary Topic
Data Analysis with R
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

dynConfiR: An R package for sequential sampling models of decision confidence

Michael Zehetleitner, Manuel Rausch, Sebastian Hellmann
Behavior Research Methods
Data Analysis with R
article

dynConfiR: An R package for sequential sampling models of decision confidence

Michael Zehetleitner, Manuel Rausch, Sebastian Hellmann
article en

Abstract

The modeling of response times using sequential sampling models has a long history. Because choices, confidence judgments, and reaction times are closely linked in perceptual decisions, it seems only natural to simultaneously model these three outcome variables of a decision. In the package dynConfiR, we implemented various sequential sampling models of choice, response time, and decision confidence in R. This paper gives an overview of the package, which provides probability density functions as well as high-level functions for fitting parameters to empirical data, prediction of reaction time and response distributions, and simulation of artificial data sets. We describe the mathematical specifications of the implemented models and provide detailed descriptions of the implemented likelihood functions. In addition, we outline the workflow for applying the model to empirical data step-by-step: data preprocessing, model fitting, model prediction, quantitative model comparison, and visual assessment of model predictions. Finally, we present results from parameter and model recovery analyses and assess the precision of probability density calculations, illustrating the robustness of the implemented computations. Offering intuitive usability and high flexibility, the package is targeted at researchers in the fields of decision-making and confidence and does not require expert-level programming skills.

Behavior Research MethodsVol. 58(6)
Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (DE), Tumaini University (TZ), University of Klagenfurt (AT), Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (DE)
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Technische Universität München
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Data Analysis with R
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dynConfiR: An R package for sequential sampling models of decision confidence — Michael Zehetleitner, Manuel Rausch, et al. · Behavior Research Methods (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS