Physiological Arousal and Time Estimation

Abstract

The relations between four indices of arousal (heart rate, respiration rate, dominant EEG alpha rate, and an integrated score of EEG activity) and three methods of time estimation (verbal estimation, production, and tapping) were tested. 40 students, chosen according to their scores on the Taylor MAS, estimated short intervals under low and high (threat of shock) induced-arousal conditions. The data indicated relationships between dominant alpha rate and time estimation within each induced-arousal condition (thus supporting Hoagland's chemical clock hypothesis) and between heart rate and time estimation within the high induced-arousal condition. No significant differences in time estimation by any method between induced-arousal conditions were found. Physiological and psychological differences between induced and chronic arousal states are pointed out and the meaning of the results for the concept of arousal is discussed.