Selectivity of Attention and the Perception of Duration

Abstract

The attention necessary to detect target digits in prose passages of equal length was varied by partially masking the passages with varying intensities of white noise. The subjects assessed the duration of the passages by use of a magnitude estimation scale, without reference to clock time. It was found that those passages requiring more attention for analysis were judged to be of greater duration than those requiring less attention. Ornstein's cognitive theory of the perception of duration is criticized on the grounds that it explains inadequately the effects of attention upon the experience of the passage of time.