Filled-Duration Illusions

What is it about?

The article discusses data relevant to the "filled duration illusion", the result that filled intervals of time seem longer than empty ones. In fact, the article concludes that there are three different types of "illusion". One involves "divided time", where an time interval subdivided by brief stimuli seems longer than one without the dividers. Another involves simple fillers, so for example, a period filled by a tone is contrasted with the same period started and ended with clicks. The final type of study involves complex fillers, which have been very diverse, from grip pressure to dictation and mental arithmetic. Divided time intervals are usually judged longer than empty ones, but the effect may be restricted to short durations. Simply filled stimuli are usually judged as longer than empty ones, but studies with complex fillers often find that the fillers make perceived duration shorter.

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