Time Estimation as an Indicator of Attention-Arousal When Perceiving Complex and Meaningful Stimulus Material

Abstract

The covariation between time estimation and simultaneous perception of visual stimuli chosen to evoke different amounts of attention-arousal was studied. Pictures with high attention-value or arousal potential slowed the conscious internal clock as compared with more neutral pictures. The loss of attention-value in the loaded pictures after prolonged confrontation could be observed in Ss' time estimations. At the end of the experimental session the difference between pictures with initially different attention-values disappeared in the time estimations.