Development of performance evaluation tests for environmental research (PETER): time estimation.

Abstract

A time-estimation task was considered for inclusion in the Performance Evaluation Tests for Environmental Research (PETER) battery. As part of this consideration, the effects of repeated testing on the reliability of time judgments were studied. The method of production was used to estimate eight time intervals. Five trials per day at each interval were administered individually to each of 19 subjects for 15 consecutive workdays. Two scores, constant error and variable error, were reported. The effect of days was not significant for constant error and was moderate for variable error (p < .04). The standard deviations were relatively stable across trials. A pronounced decline in reliability over repeated days of testing was found for both errors. It was concluded that this time-estimation test would be a poor candidate for inclusion in PETER, but further research is warranted because of the potential unique contribution of a time-estimation task in a performance test battery.