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The rotating spot method of timing subjective events
1Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. s.pockett@auckland.ac.nz
Consciousness and Cognition
|October 20, 2006
Summary
The rotating spot method accurately times subjective events, like finger movements. Instructions on when to report (initiation vs. completion) significantly impact timing results.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychophysics
- Experimental Psychology
Background:
- The rotating spot method is used to time subjective events.
- Factors influencing this method's accuracy require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors impacting the rotating spot method's results.
- To assess the influence of physical characteristics and instructions on timing subjective events.
Main Methods:
- A factorial experiment was designed to test seven aspects of the rotating spot method.
- Participants timed their finger movements using the rotating spot method.
- Factors included physical characteristics of the spot/clock face and participant instructions.
Main Results:
- Instructions regarding reporting finger movement initiation versus completion caused a systematic response shift.
- Three other factors were found to influence response variability.
- Significant systematic differences were observed between individual subjects' responses.
Conclusions:
- The study validates the rotating spot method for timing subjective events, particularly finger movements.
- Recommendations are provided for optimizing future experiments using this timing method.
- Understanding influencing factors enhances the reliability of subjective event timing.
