Showing papers on "Time perception published in 1972"

Oscillations as possible basis for time perception.

Abstract: A short review of hypotheses on human time perception emphasises the distinction between endogenous and exogenous concepts. Methods are described, and the related problem of stationarity is discussed. A hypothesis is formulated which assumes oscillatory processes as the basis for the perception of short temporal intervals. Several experiments are described which test this hypothesis. The results of the first experiment suggest a temporal constant in the range of the conscious present. Periodic components in subjective random series which are demonstrated in another experiment, indicate a sequence of temporal units. The influence of physiological factors on time perception is illustrated; diurnal variations are discussed as an example. However, it is shown that the observed variations in time perception are not dependent on body temperature alone. The importance of informational cues is noted and an experiment is described which indicates the role of individual differences.

Testing some implications of the sensory physiological model of the time sense.

Abstract: In this paper some implications of the pulse generator model of time perception have been tested. In the case of serial (re)production of an interval a lengthening effect occurs. Generally, this phenomenon is explained by assuming that the time-keeper is driven by the state of general physiological activation which decreases in the course of the task. An experiment was carried out in which EEG activity was recorded during the time estimation process. It appeared that a lengthening effect occurred, but there was no correlation between the reproduction times and the means of the EEG spectra, however. In a second experiment two series of time estimations were compared as a function of administering a placebo and methamphetamine. In the latter case the model predicts that no lengthening will occur since arousal (at least for a short period of time) is kept at a high and constant level. In fact, no differences between the regressions of the time estimation curves before and after drug administration have been found, so that the predictions of the model as regards the origin of lengthening could not be supported. It is suggested that the nature of the effect should be studied within the framework of the cognitive theory of time experience which offers various starting points in this respect.

The measurement of perceptual durations.

Abstract: It is often claimed that consciousness is immeasurable because it has no attributes such as mass, extension, charge, etc., which can be quantified in physical units. For this reason some philosophers have referred to it, pejoratively, as “the ghost in the machine”.

Testing Some Implications of the Sensory Physiological Model of the Time Sense

Abstract: Summary. In this paper some implications of the pulse generator model of time perception have been tested. In the case of serial (re)production of an interval a lengthening effect occurs. Generally, this phenomenon is explained by assuming that the time-keeper is driven by the state of general physiological activation which decreases in the course of the task. An experiment was carried out in which EEG activity was recorded during the time estimation process. It appeared that a lengthening effect occurred, but there was no correlation between the reproduction times and the means of the EEG spectra, however. In a second experiment two series of time estimations were compared as a function of administering a placebo and methamphetamine. In the latter case the model predicts that no lengthening will occur since arousal (at least for a short period of time) is kept at a high and constant level. In fact, no differences between the regressions of the time estimation curves before and after drug administration have been found, so that the predictions of the model as regards the origin of lengthening could not be supported. It is suggested that the nature of the effect should be studied within the framework of the cognitive theory of time experience which offers various starting points in this respect.