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

摘要： 为了探讨数秒内不同层级时间加工的特性，研究者分别从“时间信息加工”和“信息加工的计时特性”角度开展了一系列研究。Münsterberg (1889)、Michon(1985) 、Lewis 和 Miall(2003) 及Vierodt(1868)从前一角度，分别指出1/3秒、1/2秒、1秒及3秒可能是数秒以内时距加工机制的分界点，分界点以下与以上的加工机制存在差异。P?ppel(1997, 2009)则从后一角度指出限制信息加工过程的两类时间窗，一类时间窗是以20-60毫秒振荡周期运行的高频系统，属于初级整合单元；另一类时间窗主要是处理2-3秒以内事件系列的低频系统，属于高级整合单元。前一类时间窗可以为信息加工整合基本的心理事件，后一类时间窗则是把2-3秒内的心理事件整合为基本知觉单元。基于以往研究的剖析，我们认为1/3秒、1/2秒及1秒等分界点的真伪性尚需进一步验证，并进一步假设40毫秒以内时间不能觉察为时距；40毫秒至3秒之间，随着长度增加，自动化加工减弱，控制性加工增强；3秒以上主要为控制性加工，涉及记忆过程。

关键词: 时间信息加工, 信息加工的计时特性, 分界点, 时间窗