Reproduction of Short Time Intervals by African Immigrants

Abstract

20 Italians (mean age: 29.1 yr.) and 20 African immigrants (mean age: 29.7 yr.) were asked to assess when one minute had passed after a given signal. Italians produced an approximately correct time interval, while African immigrants produced time intervals shorter than the correct ones. The subjective underestimation observed in African immigrants is discussed with reference to the changes in the style of life associated with the transition from their native country to the country in which they are living.