Presentation Information
[P2-05]Ticking Forward or Counting Down: The Impact of Clock Format on Time Perception and Task Performance
Maria Nogales1, *Judit Castellà1 (1. Autonomous University of Barcelona UAB (Spain))
Keywords:
Time pressure,Countdown,Forward-counting,Performance,Time perception
The influence of time pressure on time perception and performance has been widely studied; however, no research to date has compared forward-counting clocks with countdown clocks. These two formats are believed to evoke different emotional connotations that may influence the intensity of perceived time pressure and its effects. This study aimed to examine how these clock formats impact performance on a mathematical task, as well as the perception of time duration and speed. A quasi-experimental within-subjects design with counterbalancing was employed with 26 university students, who were asked to solve multiplications of three-digit by two-digit numbers under both clock conditions. Results showed that performance and motivation were significantly higher in the forward-counting condition. While no significant differences in time perception were found between conditions, participants reported a greater sense of time acceleration and a shorter perceived duration with the forward-counting clock. These findings suggest that the forward-counting format may be associated with more positive emotional connotations and lower perceived time pressure, ultimately enhancing task performance.