Article,
Diurnal variation of time perception
Psychological Research, 34 (2): 182--198 (Jun 1, 1970)
DOI: 10.1007/BF00424544
Abstract
The influence of endogenous and exogenous factors on the diurnal variation of human time perception has been investigated in a series of 6 experiments (EXPs). In all experiments subjects (Ss) produced 10 sec intervals. In EXP 1 Ss lived according to their normal daily routine, sleeping at night and tested only during daytime. A significant influence of the time of day on time perception could be observed. In EXP 2 Ss were awakened and tested during night as well as during the day. The diurnal variation under this condition was more pronounced than in EXP 1. In EXP 3 Ss had to stay awake during night. Under this condition the range of variation, i.e. the difference between the daily maximum and minimum, was considerably decreased. The results of the two preceding experiments were replicated in EXP 4. In EXP 5 an exogenous factor was tested as to its influence on time perception. During the first 4 days of the experiment the conditions of EXP 2 were replicated. Then Ss had to live for 4 days in complete darkness. The removal of the light-dark cycle did not decrease the diurnal variation of time perception. In EXP 6 Ss lived for several weeks in complete isolation. Although there were no longer any external time cues, in this experiment a significant circadian variation of time perception was observed. It is concluded that the diurnal variation of time perception has an endogenous basis.
