title: Psychophysics and the anisotropy of time.
abstract: In psychophysics, experimental control over the presented stimuli is an important prerequisite. Due to the anisotropy of time, this prerequisite is not given in psychophysical experiments on time perception. Many important factors (e.g., the direction of perceived time flow) cannot be manipulated in timing experiments. The anisotropy of time is a peculiarity, which distinguishes the time dimension from other perceptual qualities. Here I summarize the anisotropy-related differences between the perception of time and the perception of other qualities. It is discussed to what extent these differences might affect results and interpretations in psychophysical experiments. In conclusion, I argue for a 'view from nowhen' on the psychophysical study of time perception.
authors.affiliation: Aging & Cognition Research Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. Electronic address: martin.riemer@dzne.de.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riemer
mesh_terms: D016880:Anisotropy; D006801:Humans; D011601:Psychophysics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D013998:Time Perception / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Anisotropy of time; Arrow of time; Psychophysics; Time perception; Time-reversal invariance; View from nowhen