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The Impact of Attention on Judgments of Frequency and Duration

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  • Isabell Winkler
  • Madlen Glauer
  • Tilmann Betsch
  • Peter Sedlmeier

Abstract

Previous studies that examined human judgments of frequency and duration found an asymmetrical relationship: While frequency judgments were quite accurate and independent of stimulus duration, duration judgments were highly dependent upon stimulus frequency. A potential explanation for these findings is that the asymmetry is moderated by the amount of attention directed to the stimuli. In the current experiment, participants' attention was manipulated in two ways: (a) intrinsically, by varying the type and arousal potential of the stimuli (names, low-arousal and high-arousal pictures), and (b) extrinsically, by varying the physical effort participants expended during the stimulus presentation (by lifting a dumbbell vs. relaxing the arm). Participants processed stimuli with varying presentation frequencies and durations and were subsequently asked to estimate the frequency and duration of each stimulus. Sensitivity to duration increased for pictures in general, especially when processed under physical effort. A large effect of stimulus frequency on duration judgments was obtained for all experimental conditions, but a similar large effect of presentation duration on frequency judgments emerged only in the conditions that could be expected to draw high amounts of attention to the stimuli: when pictures were judged under high physical effort. Almost no difference in the mutual impact of frequency and duration was obtained for low-arousal or high-arousal pictures. The mechanisms underlying the simultaneous processing of frequency and duration are discussed with respect to existing models derived from animal research. Options for the extension of such models to human processing of frequency and duration are suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Isabell Winkler & Madlen Glauer & Tilmann Betsch & Peter Sedlmeier, 2015. "The Impact of Attention on Judgments of Frequency and Duration," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(5), pages 1-21, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0126974
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126974
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amir Homayoun Javadi & Clarisse Aichelburg, 2012. "When Time and Numerosity Interfere: The Longer the More, and the More the Longer," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-9, July.
    2. repec:cup:judgdm:v:5:y:2010:i:5:p:347-364 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Carmelo Mario Vicario & Patrizia Pecoraro & Patrizia Turriziani & Giacomo Koch & Carlo Caltagirone & Massimiliano Oliveri, 2008. "Relativistic Compression and Expansion of Experiential Time in the Left and Right Space," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(3), pages 1-4, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Johannes Titz & Peter Sedlmeier, 2021. "Judgments of frequency and duration: One or two Underlying Dimensions?," Judgment and Decision Making, Society for Judgment and Decision Making, vol. 16(2), pages 460-483, March.
    2. repec:cup:judgdm:v:16:y:2021:i:2:p:460-483 is not listed on IDEAS

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