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Duration estimation and the phonological loop: articulatory suppression and irrelevant sounds
Vicky Franssen1, André Vandierendonck, Alain Van Hiel
1Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
Psychological Research
|July 8, 2005
Summary
Time estimation relies on phonological working memory, specifically an active articulatory rehearsal process. This study found that verbal tasks interfere with time perception, supporting clock-based theories.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Perception
Background:
- Clock-based theories suggest time estimation involves accumulating pulses in working memory.
- The specific nature of the memory trace (e.g., verbal, spatial) remains debated.
- Previous research hints at the involvement of active manipulation of verbal information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of phonological working memory in time estimation.
- To determine if an active articulatory rehearsal process is necessary for accurate time perception.
- To differentiate the effects of verbal load from other auditory interferences on timing.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments were conducted using short duration reproduction and verbal estimation tasks.
- Participants completed timing tasks under single-task and dual-task conditions.
- Dual-task conditions included articulatory suppression (phonological load), irrelevant speech, and irrelevant auditory stimuli.
Main Results:
- Concurrent articulatory suppression significantly impaired both interval reproduction and verbal estimation.
- Irrelevant speech did not impair timing performance.
- Irrelevant tones and music also did not affect timing accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Time estimation is mediated by phonological working memory.
- An active articulatory rehearsal process is implicated in time perception.
- These findings support clock-based models that incorporate verbal working memory mechanisms.