Abstract:

The scalar timing model has provided a theoretical framework and research paradigms for human time perception research. The model consists of three stages: clock, memory and decision in the information processing perspective. The temporal bisection task is an ideal paradigm to study the perception and processing of temporal information within the framework of the scalar timing model. The task requires participants to perform a number of time-dependent mental operations corresponding to the model and is perfectly suited to investigate changes in subjective duration and temporal sensitivity. Human research with the bisection task suggests that task parameters, age and disease, can affect subjective duration and/or temporal sensitivity. The results of temporal bisection studies have promoted the development of the scalar timing model. Two models proposed recently—the two-step decision model and the MD model—have modified the scalar timing model in different aspects and respectively explained the effects of parameter settings and individual differences in time perception.

Key words: time perception, scalar timing model, temporal bisection task, two-step decision model, MD model