Physics Maths Engineering
Memorable beginnings, but forgettable endings: Intrinsic scene memorability alters our subjective experience of time
Joan Danielle K. Ongchoco,
Madeline Gedvila,
Wilma A. Bainbridge
Abstract
Time is the fabric of experience — yet it is incredibly malleable in the mind of the observer: seeming to drag on, or fly right by at different moments. One of the most influential drivers of temporal distortions is attention, where heightened attention dilates subjective time. But an equally important feature of subjective experience involves not just the objects of attention, but also what information gets tagged to be remembered or forgotten in the first place, independent of attention (i.e. intrinsic image memorability). Here we test how memorability influences time perception. Observers viewed scenes in an oddball paradigm, where the last scene could be a forgettable “oddball” amidst memorable ones, or vice versa. Subjective time dilation occurred only for forgettable oddballs, but not memorable ones — demonstrating an oddball effect where the oddball did not differ in low-level visual features, image category, or even subjective memorability. But more importantly, these results emphasize how memory can interact with temporal experience: forgettable endings amidst memorable sequences dilate our experience of time.
Key Questions
How does time perception work in the mind?
Time perception is highly subjective and can feel like it speeds up or slows down depending on the situation. This malleability is influenced by factors like attention and memory, which shape how we experience the passage of time.
What role does attention play in time perception?
Attention is a key driver of time perception. When we focus intensely on something, time often feels like it slows down. This is known as temporal dilation, where heightened attention stretches our subjective experience of time.
How does memorability affect time perception?
Memorability—whether something is easily remembered or forgotten—also influences time perception. This study found that forgettable events in a sequence of memorable ones can make time feel like it’s dragging, even when attention levels are similar.
What is the "oddball effect" in time perception?
The oddball effect occurs when a rare or unexpected event (an "oddball") in a sequence makes time feel longer. This study showed that forgettable oddballs, not memorable ones, cause time dilation, even when they don’t differ in visual features or attention levels.
How was the study conducted?
Participants viewed a series of scenes in an oddball paradigm, where the last scene was either a forgettable oddball among memorable ones or vice versa. Their subjective experience of time was measured to see how memorability influenced time perception.
What were the key findings?
The study found that:
- Forgettable oddballs caused time to feel longer (time dilation).
- Memorable oddballs did not have the same effect.
- This effect was independent of low-level visual features or attention levels.
Why do forgettable oddballs dilate time?
Forgettable oddballs disrupt the flow of memorable sequences, making them stand out in our perception. This disruption stretches our subjective experience of time, even though the oddball itself isn’t particularly attention-grabbing or visually distinct.
What does this tell us about memory and time perception?
The findings highlight how memory interacts with time perception. Forgettable events in a memorable sequence create a temporal "hiccup," making time feel longer. This suggests that memory processes play a key role in shaping our experience of time.
What are the practical implications of this research?
Understanding how memorability affects time perception can help in:
- Designing better user experiences in media, gaming, and virtual reality.
- Improving time management strategies by leveraging memorable sequences.
- Studying memory and perception in psychology and neuroscience.
How does this research differ from previous studies?
While previous studies focused on attention as the main driver of time perception, this research emphasizes the role of memory. It shows that forgettable events, not just attention-grabbing ones, can distort our sense of time.
What are the future directions for this research?
Future research could explore:
- How other memory processes, like emotional memory, influence time perception.
- The neural mechanisms behind the interaction of memory and time perception.
- Applications in real-world scenarios, such as education or therapy.
