关键词: 时间信息加工, 信息加工的计时特性, 分界点, 时间窗

Abstract: To examine the temporal processing at different levels in the range of seconds, researchers conducted a series of studies from two points of view: temporal processing and timing characteristic of information processing, respectively. Münsterberg (1889), Michon(1985), Lewis &Miall(2003) and Vierodt(1868) followed the first perspective and proposed that the critical times (1/3s, 1/2s, 1s,3s ) may be the dividing points of duration processing mechanism. For example, Hugo Mǔnsterberg (1889)put forward the idea of two distinct timing mechanisms underlying prospective temporal information processing in humans: a sensory mechanism for processing of durations less than one third of a second and another mechanism, based on muscular sensations experienced during a given interval, for processing of longer durations. Similarly, Michon (1985) argued that temporal processing of intervals longer than approximately 500 ms is cognitively mediated while temporal processing of shorter intervals is supposedly ’’of a highly perceptual nature, fast, parallel and not accessible to cognitive control (Michon, 1985).Lewis,et.al.propose that two distinct systems exist for measuring time in the types of behavioural tasks examined here. One hypothesised system, which we will designate the ‘automatic’ timing system, is primarily involved in the continuous measurement of predictable sub-second intervals de?ned by movement. Automatic timing is likely to recruit circuits within the motor system that can measure time without attentional modulation. Central pattern generators would provide an ideal mechanism for this system, as they are characterised by continuous rhythmic output. The other hypothesised system, which we will designate the ‘cognitively controlled’ timing system, is more involved in the measurement of supra-second intervals not de?ned by movement and occurring as discrete epochs. Cognitively controlled timing is likely to draw upon multi-purpose cognitive circuits within the prefrontal and parietal cortices ; in particular, activity is expected in areas associated with attention and working memory . P?ppel started from the second perspective and proposed two temporal windows that limited information processing. One mechanism operates with oscillations in the range of 20 to 60 ms, which is the primary integrating system. Interestingly, the concept of elementary integration units has also become fruitful for physical theories on time , stressing the interdisciplinary nature of research. An important example supporting the conceptual notion of a temporal window in this time domain comes from observations with patients who have to undergo a general anesthesia (Madler and P?ppel, 1987; Schwender et al., 1994). During wakefulness, one observes an oscillatory activity with periods of 30 to 40 ms in the auditory evoked potential . During anesthesia this oscillatory activity within the neuronal assemblies disappears which under normal circumstances presumably reflects such internal system states. The other refers to pre-semantic integration in the range of approximately 2 to 3 s, which is the high-level integrating system. The former can construct primordial events that are the basic building blocks of the mental machinery of humans. While the latter can link the primordial events identified on a level of higher temporal resolution sequentially together. According to previous studies, intervals under 40 ms cannot be perceived as an interval; when the interval increases from 40 ms to 3 s, the automatic processing decreases and the controlled processing increases. Over 3 s, the main part of temporal processing would be controlled processing and involve memory mechanisms.

Key words: Temporal Processing, timing characteristic of information processing, Critical Point, Time Window