title: Statistical analysis of timing errors.
abstract: Human rhythmic activities are variable. Cycle-to-cycle fluctuations form the behavioral observable. Traditional analysis focuses on statistical measures such as mean and variance. In this article we show that, by treating the fluctuations as a time series, one can apply techniques such as power spectra and rescaled range analysis to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the remarkable abilities of humans to perform a variety of rhythmic movements, from maintaining memorized temporal patterns to anticipating and timing their movements to predictable sensory stimuli.
authors.affiliation: Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Baton Raton, FL 33431, USA. ding@walt.ccs.fau.edu
authors.forename: Mingzhou
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Yanqing
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: J A Scott
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kelso
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors