Decision Theory Explains "Telescoping Effect" -- That Our Time Perception Is Biased

Authors

Laxman Bokati, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Vladik Kreinovich, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow

Publication Date

2-2019

Comments

Technical Report: UTEP-CS-19-15

Abstract

People usually underestimate time passed since distant events, and overestimate time passed since recent events. There are several explanations for this "telescoping effect", but most current explanations utilize specific features of human memory and/or human perception. We show that the telescoping effect can be explained on a much basic level of decision theory, without the need to invoke any specific ways we perceive and process time.