A New Illusion of Time Perception—II

1993 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Ten Hoopen ◽  
Gaston Hilkhuysen ◽  
Gert Vis ◽  
Yoshitaka Nakajima ◽  
Fumihiko Yamauchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Perception ◽  
Categorical Perception ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Temporal Structure ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Rhythm Perception ◽  
The Third ◽  
Empty Time Interval ◽  
Fourth Experiment ◽  
Empty Time

When one very short empty time interval follows right after another, the second one can be underestimated considerably, but only if it is longer than the first one. We coined the term "time-shrinking" for this illusory phenomenon in our previous studies. Although we could relate our finding to some studies of rhythm perception, we were not able to explain the illusion. The present article presents our attempt to understand the mechanism that causes the time-shrinking. Four experiments are reported. The first one ruled out the possibility that the illusion results from a difficulty in resolving the temporal structure. The second experiment showed that the listener was not inadvertently judging the duration of the first interval instead of that of the second one. In addition, this experiment yielded more information about the time window within which the illusion occurs. The third experiment showed that forward masking of the sound markers, delimiting the empty durations, could not explain the illusion either. Furthermore, this experiment revealed a clue to the mechanism of time-shrinking: competition between expected and observed temporal positions. The fourth experiment further examined the temporal conditions that give rise to the illusion and showed that categorical perception plays a crucial role in the formation of the illusion. In the general discussion, we argue that the illusion is due to an asymmetric process of temporal assimilation.

A New Illusion of Time Perception

1991 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshitaka Nakajima ◽  
Gert Ten Hoopen ◽  
René Van Der Wilk
Keyword(s):  
Time Perception ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Rhythm Perception ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Subjective Duration ◽  
Common Marker ◽  
Standard Duration ◽  
Empty Time Interval ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Empty Time

When two very short time intervals are presented serially by sound markers (in such a way that they share a common marker) the subject's duration judgments of the second time interval can be affected by the duration of the first interval. Such a conspicuous effect has not been reported in the literature. Standard empty time intervals of 120, 240, 480, and 720 msec were preceded by a neighboring empty time interval of various physical durations, and subjects adjusted a comparison empty time interval to the same subjective duration as these standards. We found clear underestimations of the standard duration when its physical duration was 120 msec. For example, when the preceding duration was 45 msec, the relative underestimation was about 40%. Because such a stable and remarkable underestimation appeared in a very simple situation, this phenomenon may be called a new illusion. Such an illusion did not appear when the time interval to be judged was succeeded by another time interval. At present we cannot explain the illusion, but in the general discussion we attempt to relate it to some findings in rhythm perception.

scholarly journals Time-Shrinking and Categorical Temporal Ratio Perception

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Ten Hoopen ◽  
Takayuki Sasaki ◽  
Yoshitaka Nakajima ◽  
Ger Remijn ◽  
Bob Massier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Categorical Perception ◽  
Scaling Analysis ◽  
Rhythm Perception ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
Matching Procedure ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
Fourth Experiment ◽  
Empty Time

In a previous study, we presented psychophysical evidence that time-shrinking (TS), an illusion of time perception that empty durations preceded by shorter ones can be conspicuously underestimated, gives rise to categorical perception on the temporal dimension (Sasaki, Nakajima, & ten Hoopen, 1998). In the present study, we first survey studies of categorical rhythm perception and then describe four experiments that provide further evidence that TS causes categorical perception on the temporal dimension. In the first experiment, participants judged the similarity between pairs of /t1/t2/ patterns (slashes denote short sound markers delimiting the empty time intervals t1 and t2). A cluster analysis and a scaling analysis showed that patterns liable to TS piled up in a 1:1 category. The second and third experiments are improved replications in which the sum of t1 and t2 in the /t1/t2/ patterns is kept constant at 320 ms. The results showed that the 12 patterns /115/205/, /120/200/,  . . ., /165/155/, /170/150/ formed a 1:1 category. The fourth experiment utilizes a cross-modality matching procedure to establish the subjective temporal ratio of the /t1/t2/ patterns and a 1:1 category was established containing the 11 patterns /120/200/, /125/195/,  . . ., /165/155/, /170/150/. On basis of these converging results we estimate a domain of perceived 1:1 ratios as a function of total pattern duration (t1 + t2) between 160 and 480 ms. We discuss the implications of this study for rhythm perception and production.

Categorical Rhythm Perception as a Result of Unilateral Assimilation in Time-Shrinking

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takayuki Sasaki ◽  
Yoshitaka Nakajima ◽  
Gert Ten Hoopen
Keyword(s):  
Total Duration ◽  
Considerable Change ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Rhythm Perception ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Empty Time Interval ◽  
Method Of Adjustment ◽  
Empty Time ◽  
Perceptual Mechanism ◽  
Perceived Duration

In previous studies, we established an illusion of time perception that we called time-shrinking: an empty time interval, immediately preceded by a slightly shorter time interval, is underestimated. In the first experiment of the present study, we examined the perceived duration not only of the second interval (t2), but also of the first interval (tl). The empty time intervals tl and t2, making a total duration of 90,180, 360, or 720 ms, were presented such that the time ratio between them changed systematically. The points of subjective equality of tl and t2 were established by the method of adjustment. In the patterns typically susceptible to timeshrinking, that is, in which t2 was underestimated, tl was perceived almost vertically. In the second experiment, listeners had to bisect an empty duration of 180 ms, marked by sound bursts. The bisecting sound marker was positioned closer to the initial marker than to the final one. Thus, tl had to be shorter than t2 in order for a regular pattern to be perceived. In the third experiment, just-noticeable forward and backward displacements of the middle sound marker were measured by a transformed updown method. The prediction that the interval of uncertainty was closer to the initial than to the final sound marker was confirmed. The three experiments demonstrated the existence of unilateral temporal assimilation, and it is argued that this perceptual mechanism causes a category of 1:1 rhythms, despite a considerable change in temporal ratio between two contiguous time intervals.

Ratio Judgments of Empty Durations with Numeric Scales

Perception ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshitaka Nakajima ◽  
Seishi Nishimura ◽  
Ryunen Teranishi
Keyword(s):  
Time Perception ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Subjective Duration ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Empty Time Interval ◽  
General Aspects ◽  
Empty Time

A study is reported on the perception of empty time intervals marked by auditory signals. Nakajima's supplement hypothesis, which states that the subjective duration of a subjectively empty time interval is proportional to its physical duration plus a constant of ~80 ms, was examined quantitatively. Although this hypothesis has been used to explain various general aspects of time perception, from a global viewpoint, it has lacked the quantitative data necessary to describe the shape of the psychophysical functions mathematically. In the present study, subjects used two positive numbers to estimate the subjective ratio ( m: n) between the durations of two serial or separate empty intervals. The psychophysical functions for empty durations 50–600 ms long could be approximated by a straight line with a positive y-intercept, as predicted by the hypothesis. The effective range of the hypothesis could be extended to ~1200 ms. A power function (without any modifications) also gave good approximations. The reliability and validity of the supplement hypothesis are discussed.

A Model of Empty Duration Perception

Perception ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshitaka Nakajima
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Processing Time ◽  
Just Noticeable Difference ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Subjective Duration ◽  
Standard Duration ◽  
Empty Time Interval ◽  
Time Required ◽  
The Given ◽  
Empty Time

An attempt to construct a general theory of duration perception is presented. First, four experiments are reported in which the supplement hypothesis, on the relation between two or three empty durations, was examined: the subjective duration of a subjectively empty time interval is directly proportional to its physical duration plus a constant of ~ 80 ms. This hypothesis could be applied to the ratio judgments of auditorily marked empty durations between 40 and 600 ms given serially. It could also explain the discrepancies between musically notated rhythms and the corresponding physical performed rhythms in very simple rhythm patterns consisting of three tones. Next, three earlier experiments on discriminations of empty durations marked by sound bursts were also reanalyzed. Within the range 40–600 ms, the absolute just noticeable difference of an empty duration was almost directly proportional to the standard duration plus a constant of about 80 ms. If the supplement hypothesis is accepted, this means that the relative just noticeable difference of the subjective duration was constant. Finally, the processing time hypothesis is presented: subjective duration is directly proportional to the physical time required to process the given empty duration. This processing is considered to begin with the detection of the first marker, and to end ~ 80 ms after the detection of the second marker.

scholarly journals Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of the Cenozoic Basins in the Eastern External Betic Zone (SE Spain)

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 394
Author(s):  
Manuel Martín-Martín ◽  
Francesco Guerrera ◽  
Mario Tramontana
Keyword(s):  
Strike Slip ◽  
Alluvial Fan ◽  
Tectonic Activity ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Se Spain ◽  
The Third ◽  
Sedimentary Evolution ◽  
Marine Sedimentation ◽  
Geodynamic Processes ◽  
Early Paleocene

Four main unconformities (1–4) were recognized in the sedimentary record of the Cenozoic basins of the eastern External Betic Zone (SE, Spain). They are located at different stratigraphic levels, as follows: (1) Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, even if this unconformity was also recorded at the early Paleocene (Murcia sector) and early Eocene (Alicante sector), (2) Eocene-Oligocene boundary, quite synchronous, in the whole considered area, (3) early Burdigalian, quite synchronous (recognized in the Murcia sector) and (4) Middle Tortonian (recognized in Murcia and Alicante sectors). These unconformities correspond to stratigraphic gaps of different temporal extensions and with different controls (tectonic or eustatic), which allowed recognizing minor sedimentary cycles in the Paleocene–Miocene time span. The Cenozoic marine sedimentation started over the oldest unconformity (i.e., the principal one), above the Mesozoic marine deposits. Paleocene-Eocene sedimentation shows numerous tectofacies (such as: turbidites, slumps, olistostromes, mega-olistostromes and pillow-beds) interpreted as related to an early, blind and deep-seated tectonic activity, acting in the more internal subdomains of the External Betic Zone as a result of the geodynamic processes related to the evolution of the westernmost branch of the Tethys. The second unconformity resulted from an Oligocene to Aquitanian sedimentary evolution in the Murcia Sector from marine realms to continental environments. This last time interval is characterized as the previous one by a gentle tectonic activity. On the other hand, the Miocene sedimentation was totally controlled by the development of superficial thrusts and/or strike-slip faults zones, both related to the regional geodynamic evolutionary framework linked to the Mediterranean opening. These strike-slip faults zones created subsidence areas (pull-apart basin-type) and affected the sedimentation lying above the third unconformity. By contrast, the subsidence areas were bounded by structural highs affected by thrusts and folds. After the third unconformity, the Burdigalian-Serravallian sedimentation occurred mainly in shallow- to deep-water marine environments (Tap Fm). During the Late Miocene, after the fourth unconformity, the activation of the strike-slip faults zones caused a shallow marine environment sedimentation in the Murcia sector and a continental (lacustrine and fluvial) deposition in the Alicante sector represented the latter, resulting in alluvial fan deposits. Furthermore, the location of these fans changed over time according to the activation of faults responsible for the tectonic rising of Triassic salt deposits, which fed the fan themselves.

scholarly journals Time perception and age

2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Fernanda Moreira Ferreira ◽  
Gabriel Pina Paiva ◽  
Natália Prando ◽  
Carla Renata Graça ◽  
João Aris Kouyoumdjian
Keyword(s):  
Time Perception ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Internal Clock ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Comparison Test ◽  
Clock System ◽  
Multiple Comparison Test ◽  
The Common ◽  
Bonferroni Multiple Comparison Test

ABSTRACT Our internal clock system is predominantly dopaminergic, but memory is predominantly cholinergic. Here, we examined the common sensibility encapsulated in the statement: “time goes faster as we get older”. Objective To measure a 2 min time interval, counted mentally in subjects of different age groups. Method 233 healthy subjects (129 women) were divided into three age groups: G1, 15-29 years; G2, 30-49 years; and G3, 50-89 years. Subjects were asked to close their eyes and mentally count the passing of 120 s. Results The elapsed times were: G1, mean = 114.9 ± 35 s; G2, mean = 96.0 ± 34.3 s; G3, mean = 86.6 ± 34.9 s. The ANOVA-Bonferroni multiple comparison test showed that G3 and G1 results were significantly different (P < 0.001). Conclusion Mental calculations of 120 s were shortened by an average of 24.6% (28.3 s) in individuals over age 50 years compared to individuals under age 30 years.

Horizontal and Vertical Composite Effects in Novel Faces

Perception ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 118-118
Author(s):  
N P Costen ◽  
T Kato ◽  
I G Craw ◽  
S Akamatsu
Keyword(s):  
Face Recognition ◽  
Response Accuracy ◽  
Processing Strategy ◽  
Composite Construction ◽  
Composite Effect ◽  
Configural Information ◽  
The Third ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Fourth Experiment ◽  
The Right

The composite effect, where the recognition of the upper half of a face is disrupted by a discrepant lower half relative to an isolated half-face, without a corresponding effect for vertical half-faces, provides a ready method of investigating configural information in face recognition. In previous studies purely photographic techniques have been used for composite construction. We investigated the effects of more face-like stimuli, constructed by morphing techniques. Subjects were trained to identify frontal Japanese faces, and tested on recognition on marked upper, lower, left, and right halves, both as half-faces and with distractors. While response accuracy for the upper and lower composites was lower than those for the relevant halves, there was no such effect for the right - left composites. A familiarity design was used in the second experiment to replicate this result. In the third experiment quarter-faces (top left - bottom right facial quadrants) were used to control for the information present. We found a strong composite effect for the right - left composites, and weaker ones for the top - bottom and quarter composites. In the fourth experiment we examined whether this effect was dependent on the presence of the quarter-composites by presenting them in a second block but found no effect of this manipulation. It thus appears that although there is a composite effect with faces composed in a shape-free manner, this effect is unstable. Under certain circumstances subjects may convert from a top - bottom relational processing strategy to a right - left strategy. The information used, even with a constant task, is dependent upon the variability of the images involved.

Do sows need straw for nest-building ?

1988 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
GD Hutson
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Operant Conditioning ◽  
Thermal Protection ◽  
Nest Building ◽  
Genetic Adaptation ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nesting Behaviour ◽  
Fourth Experiment ◽  
Conditioning Apparatus

The motivation of sows to obtain straw was measured in 4 experiments using operant conditioning apparatus. In the first experiment there was no significant difference in the operant level of response when lifts on a lever produced access to an empty box or a box containing straw. None of the 6 sows, 4 about 10 weeks pregnant and 2 non-pregnant, showed any interest in the straw. In the second experiment variation in motivation to obtain straw was measured by testing pigs for 7 consecutive days every 2 weeks from mating to weaning. All pigs showed little change in lever lifting behaviour, although 2 gilts showed increased responsiveness to straw at farrowing time. In the third experiment 4 sows were allowed to farrow in the test pen with access to the lever and straw box. The sows showed an increase in activity prior to farrowing which coincided with increased manipulation of the lever. The response to straw was variable, although all pigs showed an increase in pawing behaviour. However, in a fourth experiment, 4 control pigs showed similar increases prior to farrowing in activity, lever manipulation, and pawing behaviour when the straw box was empty. The apparent low motivation of sows towards utilisation of straw is discussed in relation to its importance as a key stimulus for nesting behaviour and its role in thermal protection of the piglets, and also in relation to possible absence of appropriate nest-building stimuli, previous experience, genetic adaptation and animal welfare.

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