Aspects of temporal information processing: a dimensional analysis.

A major controversy in the field of prospective temporal information processing refers to the question of whether performance in various temporal tasks can be accounted for by the general assumption of an internal clock rather than by distinct, task-specific timing mechanisms. Therefore, the present study was designed to identify dimensions of temporal information processing. For this purpose, 120 subjects performed eight psychophysical temporal tasks. Correlational and principal factor analyses suggested a common pacemaker-based interval timing mechanism involved in duration discrimination, temporal generalization, and temporal order judgment. On the other hand, rhythm perception and perceived simultaneity/successiveness appeared to be controlled by task-specific processes unrelated to interval-based timing.