Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between regular caffeine consumption and time estimation. Sixty participants (aged 18β57 years, mean 24 years) completed a 47βs time estimation exercise and questionnaires related to daily caffeine consumption and perceptions of time. We hypothesized that the effects of caffeine on time estimation would follow a Uβshaped pattern such that individuals who reported moderate amounts of daily caffeine would be more accurate in their perceptions of time than would those who reported high amounts of caffeine intake or no daily caffeine consumption. Timing accuracy was computed by dividing participantβreported time by actual time (47βs). Timing accuracy followed a Uβshaped curve such that those respondents who reported βlowβ daily caffeine consumption (β€β135βmg/day, nβ=β24) were the most accurate in their time estimates (mean=β44.2βs). Individuals who reported no caffeine (mean=β69.3βs; n=β7) or βhighβ daily caffeine consumption (mean=56.2βs; >135βmg/day, nβ=β28) were less accurate in their time estimates [F(2,β56)=β3.34, p<β0.05]. Findings suggest that βlowβ daily caffeine consumption may enhance time estimation accuracy above that of βhighβ or no daily caffeine consumption. Copyright Β© 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.