The Impact of Motor Methods on Interval Timing: Tapping Enhances Accuracy and Precision in Temporal Productions

Abstract

Although the behavioral method used to create an interval intuitively plays role in interval timing, their effects have been rarely studied. This study investigated the influence of motor methods on temporal production performance. Furthermore, the effects of psychomotor processing speed and negative mood states on precision performance were compared across methods. Two motor methods were used: tapping, characterized by repetitive behaviors, and holding, involving directing behaviors to the onset and offset of an interval. Results revealed that tapping generally facilitated better precision, particularly at shorter durations, where holding showed greater total variability and non-scalar precision. Similarly, tapping also outperformed holding in accuracy regardless of the target duration. The results suggest that self-generated feedback from repetitive behaviors may enhance performance in temporal productions. Slower psychomotor processing predicted worse precision in tapping but not holding, highlighting a method-specific reliance on psychomotor mechanisms. Negative mood states showed no consistent impact on precision across either method. These findings underscore the importance of considering the method used to create an interval when investigating deficits in temporal performances, as method-specific factors can shape interval timing.