The estimation of time as a function of positive, neutral, or negative expectancies

Abstract

Positive, neutral, and negative expectancy conditions were varied to determine their effects on time perception. Subjects were led to believe that their participation would result in a “pleasant,” an “unpleasant,” or a subjectively neutral experience. Intervals of 60 and 240 sec were estimated under each expectancy condition. The results indicated that the positive expectancy group tended to overestimate the actual interval (time passed relatively slowly), whereas the neutral and negative expectancy groups tended to underestimate the actual interval. The results are related to theories of time perception. © 1981, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.