Time Perception and Stimulus Preference As a Function of Stimulus Complexity

The present research joins previous efforts to define more clearly the phenomenon of perceived time as an important social-psychological dimension. In this study, time was considered a socially existential variable that can most meaningfully be measured by comparing two or more subjectively experienced durations, each with the other(s). Combining this view of time judgment with the adaptation level/optimal arousal principle, two hypotheses were tested: (a) that test stimuli differing in degree of complexity elicit from the individual differential degrees of affect, and (b) that intervals during which the individual is exposed to either overly simple or overly complex stimuli are judged as comparatively longer than objectively equal durations filled with moderately complex stimuli. Both hypotheses were affirmed.