Keeping the time: the impact of external clock-speed manipulation on time-based prospective memory

Laera, Gianvito; Mioni, Giovanna; Vanneste, Sandrine; Bisiacchi, Patrizia; Hering, Alexandra; Kliegel, Matthias · 2024 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.5334/joc.388

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This study investigates the cognitive mechanisms underlying time-based prospective memory (TBPM), specifically addressing whether individuals monitor time using internal temporal processes (estimating duration) or numerical processes (matching clock digits to a target). While previous research established that strategic clock-checking is crucial for TBPM, it remained unclear if this monitoring relies on an internal sense of time passage or simply the numerical progression of clock digits. To resolve this, the authors manipulated the speed of an external clock to disrupt internal time estimation while keeping the displayed numerical digits constant. The researchers conducted two experiments where participants performed a TBPM task requiring them to press a key every four minutes while engaged in a lexical decision ongoing task. Each participant completed two blocks: a baseline block with normal clock speed (1 second = 1000 ms) and an experimental block where the clock speed was manipulated to be either faster (1 second = 800 ms) or slower (1 second = 1200 ms). Crucially, the displayed clock digits remained identical across conditions, meaning the apparent duration was the same, but the actual elapsed time differed. This design allowed the researchers to isolate the effect of temporal proximity (actual time intervals) from numerical proximity (digit progression). The results indicated that manipulating clock speed significantly affected time monitoring behavior but did not impact overall TBPM accuracy. Participants in the slower clock condition increased their frequency of clock checks in the second block compared to the first, suggesting they perceived time as passing more slowly and checked more often to confirm the target time. Conversely, participants in the faster clock condition checked the clock significantly less frequently than those in the slower or control conditions, particularly during the fourth minute. Because TBPM performance remained stable despite these changes in monitoring frequency and the disruption of internal time estimation, the findings suggest that participants did not rely on internal timing processes. Instead, they tracked the target time by counting and matching the numerical progression of the clock digits. These findings challenge the traditional view that TBPM relies heavily on internal time estimation or "internal clocks." The study supports the hypothesis that strategic time monitoring in TBPM is driven by attentional control processes focused on numerical cues rather than temporal duration estimation. This distinction between temporal and numerical proximity has significant implications for understanding prospective memory, suggesting that interventions aimed at improving TBPM should focus on enhancing attentional monitoring of numerical cues rather than training internal time perception.

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• time perception