Time Error: Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms
Time error is an important concept in the field of cognitive neuroscience, which refers to the difference between an individual’s perceived time and the actual amount of time that has passed. Time error can lead to a variety of cognitive deficits such as difficulty with time estimation, impaired temporal motor control, and difficulty with temporal judgment. This article will provide an overview of the current literature on time error, its underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms, and the implications for cognitive neuroscience.
Time Error: A Definition
Time error is defined as the difference between an individual’s perception of the passage of time and the actual amount of time that has passed (Casini et al., 2019). This discrepancy can vary in magnitude and can be either positive or negative (Casini et al., 2019). For example, if an individual perceives that more time has passed than has actually occurred, then this would be considered a positive time error. Conversely, if an individual perceives that less time has passed than has actually occurred, then this would be considered a negative time error.
Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Time Error
The cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying time error are complex and multifaceted. Several theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. For instance, the “internal clock” theory suggests that time error is a result of the cognitive processes involved in the individual’s internal representation of time (Casini et al., 2019). Specifically, it is suggested that the individual’s internal clock is responsible for the perception of time passing. Additionally, the “attentional” theory suggests that time error is a result of the individual’s attentional focus (Casini et al., 2019). Specifically, it is suggested that the individual’s attentional focus can cause them to focus on certain temporal events and consequently perceive time differently than they actually are.
Neuroimaging studies have provided further insight into the neural mechanisms of time error. A recent study by Casini et al. (2019) used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural correlates of time error. Results from the study indicate that time error is associated with increased activation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a region of the brain associated with attentional processing and decision-making. Additionally, the study found that time error is associated with increased activation of the insula, a region of the brain associated with interoception and emotion regulation.
Implications for Cognitive Neuroscience
Time error has important implications for cognitive neuroscience. It is clear that time error can lead to a variety of cognitive deficits including difficulty with time estimation, impaired temporal motor control, and difficulty with temporal judgment (Casini et al., 2019). Therefore, understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying time error can help to inform the development of interventions and therapies to help individuals with these cognitive deficits. Additionally, understanding the neural mechanisms of time error can inform our understanding of the brain’s temporal processing systems.
Conclusion
Time error is an important concept in the field of cognitive neuroscience. It refers to the difference between an individual’s perceived time and the actual amount of time that has passed. Time error has been linked to a variety of cognitive deficits including difficulty with time estimation, impaired temporal motor control, and difficulty with temporal judgment. The cognitive and neural mechanisms of time error are complex and multifaceted, and include both internal clock and attentional theories. Neuroimaging studies have provided further insight into the neural correlates of time error, with results indicating that time error is associated with increased activation of the ACC and the insula. Time error has important implications for cognitive neuroscience, and understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying time error can help to inform the development of interventions and therapies to help individuals with cognitive deficits.
References
Casini, L., Ramos, R., & Allman, M. J. (2019). Time error: Cognitive and neural mechanisms. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 104, 12-20.