Using Temporal Information in Time-Constrained Tasks

Abstract

Studies on time constraints have not bridged the gap between the experience of time and task performance. This paper presents the hypothesis that, under temporal constraints, time becomes a limited resource, and the utilization of this resource becomes one of the main goals of task performance. Thus, time experience in terms of the use of temporal information is predicted to play a critical role in defining task performance. A framework is presented to explain how time information is used under temporal constraints. Further, the cognitive processes underlying time use are described as a process model. The framework and the process model together describe the phenomenon of the use of time information under time constraints. The method used to validate this framework is briefly described and a set of issues that arise out of the proposed framework is also presented.