Representation over time: the effects of temporal distance on similarity.
Similarity is central in human cognition, playing a role in a wide range of cognitive processes. In three studies, we demonstrate that subjective similarity may change as a function of temporal distance, with some events seeming more similar when considered in the near future, while others increase in similarity as temporal distance increases. Given the ubiquity of inter-temporal thought, and the fundamental role of similarity, these results have important implications for cognition in general.
Day
Samuel B
SB
Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. s-day2@northwestern.edu
Bartels
Daniel M
DM
D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013998:Time Perception