The Possible Correlations Between an Individual’s Attributes and the Time Theory One Tends to Choose

Driving Questions

  1. What specific aspects of STEM and SHAPE fields might contribute to the observed differences in preferences for dynamic versus non-dynamic time theories?
  2. How do cultural backgrounds and societal influences, beyond academic interests, potentially shape an individual's understanding and perception of time?
  3. Could the observed correlation between academic interests and time theory preferences be influenced by the specific time-related concepts emphasized within different disciplines' curricula?
  4. To what extent do individuals' experiences with time, such as their personal history, emotional states, and cultural practices, contribute to their preferred time theory, and how can these subjective experiences be integrated into a comprehensive understanding of time perception?

Project Introduction

Disciplines/Subjects: Philosophy; Psychology; Cognitive science

Key Themes: The Interplay of Individual Attributes and Time Perception


This research examines the relationship between individual attributes, such as personality traits, academic interests, multiple intelligences, and preferences for different time theories.

The research employed a survey to assess participants' agreement with statements about time, correlating their responses with their scores on personality and intelligence tests. It also included a behavioral experiment where participants arranged cards representing different time concepts, followed by interviews to understand their reasoning.

The study found a potential correlation between academic interests and preferred time theories. Participants with interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields tended to favor non-dynamic time theories, while those interested in SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Physical Education, and Education) fields leaned toward dynamic time theories.

However, the research did not find a significant correlation between personality traits and time theory preferences.

Core Competency

Habits of mind:  Curiosity, Continuous Learning, Growth Mindset, Strive for Excellence

Transferable skills:  Research Question; Research Gap; Research Method; Conclusion; Academic Writing Conventions; Citation

Content knowledge:  Time Perception Theory, Cognitive Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Individual Differences