Abstract
What makes a past time period feel longer or shorter? We find evidence for a metamemory contrast effect in which the relationship between the number of events remembered from a time period and the number of events that one expects to remember from that period interact to determine felt duration. Specifically, days in the distant past can come to feel longer than more recent days (Study 1), which we propose arises due to the difference between expected memories and actual memories for that day (Study 2). The higher level of expected memories relative to actual memories for days closer to the present creates an expectation gap that underpins changes in subjective duration. Varying expectations for memories (Study 3) or the facilitation of recall for memories (Study 4) alters subjective duration such that the larger the gap, the shorter the subjective duration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
