Factors in time Estimation and a Case for the Internal Clock

Summary

Twenty-four subjects estimated the duration of 1000 cycle signals of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 centiseconds whose intensity varied from 20 to 60 db. The four methods of judgment—direct estimation, comparison, production, and reproduction—constituted one significant factor in the estimations. A logical analysis indicates that the “internal clock” provides the best explanation for the significant intensity effect.