Temporal expectations in isochronous sequences

Temporal expectation relates to the probability of occurrence of stimuli; it is necessary to evaluate such probabilities in relation to people’s perceptual latency, in order to have better understanding of probabilistic distortion in timing perception. Therefore, to highlight the importance of temporal expectation in regular sequences, we carried out two studies to clarify the influence not only from the timing itself, but also the extra non-temporal elements, melody and tones. In all studies participants were presented with auditory isochronous sequences, consisting of different numbers of identical timing intervals. In chapter two, we manipulated attention by altering presentation types, interleaved or blocked. We found perceived isochrony of stimuli affected by temporal expectation and the final stimulus of the sequences were anticipated. In chapter three, we manipulated the predictability by altering the sequence of tones used to demarcate the time intervals. We found increased sensitivity with melodically ordered tones and demonstrated how patterns in non-temporal properties can also create expectations. The outcomes contributed to the advanced understanding of expectation in perceived regularity and patterning of time, with its underlying computational mechanisms