Intensity dependence of perceived duration: data, theories, and neural integration.

Evaluates 2 theoretical models suggested to explain studies of the effect of stimulus intensity on the perceived duration of brief light flashes. Some studies found a direct relationship between the 2 variables; others found an indirect relationship. Each model suggests that an additional variable interacts with stimulus intensity. Proposed variables have included the nature of the judgment and the absolute intensity. The present evaluation indicates that both of the proposed variables play a role and that a melding of the models could best account for this phenomenon. The melding incorporates known time- and intensity-dependent characteristics of neural integration into the behavioral performance. The evaluation also indicates that future experiments on this problem will be most informative if they (a) give particular attention to the role of instructions, (b) explore an adequate range of intensities, and (c) strictly control adaptive state.