title: Scalar expectancy theory and peak-interval timing in humans.
abstract: The properties of the internal clock, temporal memory, and decision processes used to time short durations were investigated. The peak-interval procedure was used to evaluate the timing of 8-, 12-, and 21-s intervals, and analyses were conducted on the mean response functions and on individual trials. A distractor task prevented counting, and visual feedback on accuracy and precision was provided after each trial. Mean response distributions were (a) centered at the appropriate real-time criteria, (b) highly symmetrical, and (c) scalar in their variability. Analysis of individual trials indicated more memory variability relative to response threshold variability. Taken together, these results demonstrate that humans show the same qualitative timing properties that other animals do, but with some quantitative differences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, USA.
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Rakitin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gibbon
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Penney
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Malapani
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Hinton
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Meck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013997:Time Factors; D013998:Time Perception