# Gender Differences in Visual Information Perception Ability: A Signal Detection Theory Approach
## 1 Introduction  
In human-machine systems, the accurate perception of system-generated information is essential for effective task performance. Visual perception, which provides over 80% of the information proceeded by humans use in both daily activities and goal-directedtasks [1], plays a particularly vital role. With the increasing ubiquity of digital interfaces, the ability to process visual information efficiently has become more crucial than ever. However, visual stimuli required for task completion are frequently presented alongside irrelevant or distracting information [2], which can hinder accurate perception and decision-making. Numerous studies have explored the mechanisms of visual information processing. For example, [PERSON] [3] found that distractor stimuli similar to a target negatively affect target identification accuracy. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [4] examined how variations in target shape and location influence visual search performance, while [PERSON] [5] demonstrated that shape impacts area perception. [PERSON] [6] further emphasized how design elements--such as number sequencing and button layout--can contribute to coherent visual interfaces, especially in applied contexts like elevator panels. In today's information-saturated environments, individuals frequently engage in visual decision-making tasks such as interpreting traffic signs, detecting abnormalities in medical imagery, and selectively focusing on relevant screen-based visual cues. In this context, visual perception should not be regarded merely as passive stimulus reception, but as a complex cognitive process involving selective attention, criterion setting, and response strategy formulation. To analyze these perceptual processes, signal detection theory (SDT) offers a robust framework. Unlike traditional accuracy-based assessments, SDT distinguishes between sensitivity (the ability to detect signals) and decision criterion (the threshold for responding), enabling more precise evaluation of perceptual and cognitive strategies [7]. This distinction is essential, as individuals with similar accuracy levels may employ fundamentally different perceptual or cognitive strategies [8]. Building on this foundation, the current study applies SDT to examine gender differences in visual information perception. While early research suggested that males typically outperform females in visuospatial tasks [9], more recent studies propose that such differences are minimal or statistically insignificant in younger adult populations [10]. These evolving perspectives have been shaped by increasingly sophisticated experimental designs, improved measurement tools, and greater demographic diversity in research sampling. Despite these trends, notable gender-based distinctions still emerge in specific visual abilities. For instance, males have consistently shown superior performance in mental rotation and spatial visualization tasks [11; 12], whereas females tend to outperform males in perceptual speed and color discrimination [13]. [PERSON] [14] further demonstrated that males and females exhibit different eye movement patterns during facial recognition, with females showing longer fixation durations and more targeted focus. Additionally, some studies indicate that males may perform better under conditions requiring low-light vision or rapid attentional shifts [15]. Another critical dimension involves age-related variation. Some studies suggest that visual perceptual decline occurs more slowly in males than females in middle and older adulthood, indicating that the interaction between gender and age significantly affects visual processing ability [10]. Against this backdrop, the present study seeks to explore gender-based differences in visual stimulus perception. Participants were asked to detect signal shapes embedded within complex visual figures.