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Dryad

Slowing the body slows down time (perception)

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Mar 18, 2021 version files 19.53 GB

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Abstract

Interval timing is a fundamental component of action, and is interestingly susceptible to motor-related temporal
distortions. Several experiments have shown that temporal expansion and compression can occur in systematic ways with
modifications of movement direction, speed, and length. These studies have largely shown that movement biases temporal estimates,
but have primarily considered self-modulated movement only. However, real-world encounters often include situations in
which movement is restricted or perturbed by environmental factors. Thus, in the following experiments, we introduced viscous
movement environments to externally modulate movement speed and length, and investigated the resulting effects on temporal
perception. We hypothesized that the decrease in movement length would bias estimates to be shorter as well. Participants
timed auditory intervals while moving a robotic arm manipulandum that randomly applied four levels of viscosity. This added
restriction successfully shortened the length of movement possible within a given time interval, and yielded compression effects
both in temporal bisection and reproduction tasks. Using a drift-diffusion model and a Bayesian observer model, we confirmed
that these biasing effects arose from perceptual mechanisms, instead of biases in decision making. These findings suggest that
environmental perturbations are an important factor in movement-related temporal distortions, and more broadly, enhance the
current understanding of the interactions of motor activity and cognitive processes.