Time Estimation by Patients with Frontal Lesions

Abstract

I propose investigating time estimation in patients with frontal lobe damage, and replicating the paradigms used in a study done by Mimura et al. (2000), to further research the effects of frontal lobe damage in time estimation. Previous studies indicate that time estimation is dependent on an internal or biological clock that is mediated by frontal brain regions (Church, 1984; Meck, 1983; Meck et al., 1984). Some researchers believe that flawed estimates of time are due to a damaged or unstable internal clock, or to lack of impulse control and the tendency to terminate actions prematurely. Other studies show frontal lesions to interfere with working memory (Mimura et al. 2000; Baddeley 1986; Shimamura, 1995).