Time as a Fourth Spatial Dimension: Linking Retrospective and Prospective Time to Space.

Abstract

Experiments addressing the relationship between time and space are conducted using separate approaches for retrospective and prospective timing. Retrospective timing, at the subsecond and suprasecond level, is investigated using a recognition memory paradigm that has previously shown spatial effects. Although space-like effects with time stimuli were not found, there is some promise for the future. During these analyses a sample size bias is identified in two common measures of signal. Separate formulas are devised for the correction of the sample size error associated with d’ and A’. Computer simulations confirm the removal of the bias when the corrections are used. Experiments on prospective timing use the more established kappa and tau effect paradigm. In four experiments a relationship between perception of time and space, indexed through scanspeed, is seen in the tau effect. By varying the size and duration of the stimuli used, the relationship between time, scan-speed, and space is manipulated. The ability to manipulate this relationship is taken as evidence of a resonance point specific to a given stimulus set. The results of these experiments support theories linking perceptions of time and space, and help account for contradictory findings common in the literature. These findings overturn and simplify accounts that have stood since 1977 by providing a common equation describing the relationship between the tau effect and scan-speed in this paradigm. The failure to produce similar findings with the kappa effect highlights the difference between these effects and provides a key area for future research. Retrospective and Prospective findings are discussed in light of related research and possible directions for future work are suggested. General suggestions are made for more retrospective timing work as retrospective timing is heavily under-researched. Specific guidance is provided for future prospective timing work. Accounts of the results under scalar timing theory and spectral models are provided. A potential link between retrospective and prospective time is also outlined.