Electrophysiological signatures of temporal context in the bisection task

Abstract

Despite relatively accurate time judgment, subjective time is susceptible to various contexts, such as sample spacing and frequency. Several electroencephalographic (EEG) components have been linked to timing, including the contingent negative variation (CNV), offset P2, and late positive component of timing (LPCt). However, the specific role of these components in the contextual modulation of perceived time remains unclear. In this study, we conducted two temporal bisection experiments, where participants had to judge if a test duration was close to a short or long standard. Unbeknownst to participants, the sample spacing (Experiment 1) and frequency (Experiment 2) were altered to create short and long contexts while keeping the test range and standards the same in different sessions. The results showed that the bisection threshold shifted toward the ensemble mean and that CNV and LPCt were sensitive to context modulation. Compared to the long context, the CNV climbing rate increased in the short context, and the amplitude and latency of the LPCt were reduced. These findings suggest the CNV represents an expectancy wave for upcoming decision-making, while LPCt reflects the decision-making process, both influenced by the temporal context.

Blocked versus interleaved: How range contexts modulate time perception and its EEG signatures

“…For the target offset signals, we observed that the offset P2 amplitude increased with duration, consistent with previous studies showing a positive association between P2 amplitude and stimulus duration (Baykan, Zhu, Zinchenko, et al, 2023;Kruijne et al, 2021;van Wassenhove & Lecoutre, 2015). This phenomenon indicates early perceptual processes rather than subsequent decisional stages (Kruijne et al, 2021).…”

“…Previous research pointed out a relationship between CNV amplitude and response readiness, which in turn, influences response speed (Boehm et al, 2014). Similarly, in a recent study, we observed a more rapid CNV formation for the stimuli anticipated to end sooner (Baykan, Zhu, Zinchenko, et al, 2023). Our current investigation revealed a steeper CNV buildup and increased amplitude for durations during the BR session.…”

“…(2021) found an increase in both CNV and offset P2 amplitudes when the target interval was presented in a short‐range context instead of a long‐range one. CNV evolves faster with anticipation or preparation for a quicker response and decision‐making (Baykan, Zhu, Zinchenko, et al., 2023; Boehm et al., 2014). Therefore, the CNV component is not solely about timing but also broader anticipatory and preparatory processes (Baykan, Zhu, Zinchenko, et al., 2023; Praamstra et al., 2006; van Rijn et al., 2011).…”

“…CNV evolves faster with anticipation or preparation for a quicker response and decision‐making (Baykan, Zhu, Zinchenko, et al., 2023; Boehm et al., 2014). Therefore, the CNV component is not solely about timing but also broader anticipatory and preparatory processes (Baykan, Zhu, Zinchenko, et al., 2023; Praamstra et al., 2006; van Rijn et al., 2011). Late post‐offset components are also context sensitive.…”

Overestimation in time reproduction: Influences of accuracy feedback and attentional sharing

“…This prior is then integrated with the current duration (Bausenhart et al, 2014;Cicchini et al, 2012;Glasauer & Shi, 2021;Jazayeri & Shadlen, 2010;Shi, Church, et al, 2013;Shi & Burr, 2016), causing judgments to gravitate toward a mean duration. Varying the spacing or distribution of sample intervals can shift the temporal bisection point, a middle point of judgments between the given 'short' and 'long' standards, toward the ensemble mean (Baykan et al, 2023;Zhu et al, 2021).…”