Term of Award

Spring 2000

Degree Name

Master of Science

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Department

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

William McIntosh

Committee Member 1

Paul R. Kleinginna, Jr.

Committee Member 2

Michael Nielsen

Abstract

Presents a study of time estimation behavior as a function of self-focused attention and the enjoyability of activity performed. It was hypothesized that self-focused attention will facilitate more accurate time estimates of an interval than task-focused attention. In addition, time estimates are expected to be more distorted when performing an enjoyable activity than when performing a tedious activity. This model is consistent with Csikszentmihalyi's (1990) theory of flow experience but diverges from popular cognitive processing accounts of time estimation behavior Predictions regarding subjective time experience from Baumeister's (1991) theory of escape from self are also considered. An experiment is presented that upholds the hypothesis regarding task enjoyability. Differential time estimates as a function of self-focused awareness failed to materialize. Implications for notions of subjective time experience are discussed.

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