Geometric Correlates of Temporal Durations: Signs of the Times

Abstract

Each of 60 Ss chose geometric figures of 1, 2, or 3 dimensions as best representing the temporal durations of Second, Hour, Day, Year, Century, or Forever. Assignment of figures to time periods was significantly nonrandom (χ2 < .01) for 5 of the 6 intervals. Agreement among the judges was significant (Kendall Coefficient of Concordance W = .33, p < .05), and a generally monotonic, positive relationship, based on ordinal measurement of the variables, was indicated (Spearman rho = .808). Underlying factors of linear extension or complexity are suggested as the means of mediation between the variables.