Context effects in time discrimination

Abstract

Music and speech processing exemplify skilled perception of temporal patterns, as both require an ability to make fine-grained comparisons of relative duration. Clock theories of time perception have been used to model the discrimination of isolated durations successfully, by assuming that temporal resolution is determined by the statistical variability of an independent central timing process. However, the explanatory power of the clock model has been shown to be limited when applied to more naturalistic tasks such as the detection of a temporal deviation embedded within a temporal pattern. This paper discusses an entrainment theory of time discrimination that is based on the concept of coupled oscillators. The theory accounts for a number of contextual effects in time discrimination which have been problematic for clock models. The theory also applies equally well to the discrimination of isolated durations. An important link is demonstrated between fast and slow tempos, short and long durations, and early and late onset of a comparison sequence which only becomes clear when one assumes that the relevant psychological variable in time discrimination is relative phase.