Incidental learning of time-event relationships across processing stages

Previous studies have shown that individuals can incidentally learn time-event regularities. This study extends prior research by examining such learning across different stages of information processing, from attention to action, beyond simple bimodal interval contexts. In three experiments, participants performed a two-choice reaction time task in which a target stimulus appeared to the left or right of fixation following a neutral warning cue after a variable interval (400, 800, 1,200, and 1,600 ms). In an acquisition phase, one event (both target location and required response in Experiment 1; only target location in Experiment 2; and only required response in Experiment 3) decreased exponentially across intervals (8:4:2:1), whereas the other event increased exponentially across intervals (1:2:4:8). This established time-event regularities related to spatial location (Experiment 2), motor response (Experiment 3), or both (Experiment 1). Enhanced performance was observed when events matched the most probable time interval, regardless of the type of regularity. Importantly, these effects persisted in a transfer phase where regularities were removed. These findings demonstrate long-term incidental learning of time-event relationships across stages of information processing, from attention to action. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).