An examination of self-pacing procedures in human time estimation

The main purpose of the present research was to investigate the role of self-pacing trial procedures in time estimation. Auditory durations of 1, 4, and 8 sec. were estimated by 12 subjects under the method of reproduction. Different features of performance were investigated using several dependent variables. When left to themselves, subjects chose a relatively short intertrial interval, the duration of which did not differ across the three criterion durations. This finding seemed best explained as an attempt by the subjects to minimize boredom and maximize alertness. Also, subjects waited for a short time before reproducing the criterion duration, and again this period did not differ across the three criterion durations. A significant relationship was found between the duration of the self-paced intertrial interval and self-paced retention interval for all criterion durations. It appeared that subjects were attempting to maximize their time-estimation performance by either minimizing the retention interval or by developing a trial-interval rhythm. Finally, subjects were more variable in their estimates as the criterion duration increased.