Human Perceived Timing Follows Principles of Bayesian Inference Darren Rhodes1,2*, Massimiliano Di Luca1 1 Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom 2 Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, School of Engineering & Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom The timing of events is fundamental for everyday life, yet how humans perceive time remains unknown. Here we present a Bayesian inference model for the perceived timing of stimuli that combines noisy measurements with dynamic prior expectations. Quantitative validation of the model is difficult, as the precise noise characteristics of the priors and likelihoods are unknown, yet here we are able to infer such characteristics from psychophysical data. The model predicts that stimuli presented earlier or later than expected are reported closer to the expected timing, an effect that should increase with unreliable information. We presented sequences of regularly timed auditory stimuli with alternating intensities and asked participants to report whether the final stimulus appeared before or after a visual probe. The final stimulus was either of high or low intensity so to vary the reliability of estimating perceived timing. In line with the predictions of the model, we find that perceived simultaneity of stimuli is drawn towards the expected time point and the effect is larger for low-intensity stimuli. The novel account we propose is a viable alternative to existing models of perceived timing. The framework is general and can be applied to a wide spectrum of investigation in the psychology and neuroscience of time perception. Keywords: Bayesian inference; timing; rhythm; uncertainty; perception; perceived timing Theme: Prediction Technique: Behaviour & Modelling Population: Adult Timescale: 10s – 100s of ms DISCLAIMER: This email is intended solely for the addressee. It may contain private and confidential information. If you are not the intended addressee, please take no action based on it nor show a copy to anyone. In this case, please reply to this email to highlight the error. Opinions and information in this email that do not relate to the official business of Nottingham Trent University shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by the University. Nottingham Trent University has taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are virus-free, but we do advise that the recipient should check that the email and its attachments are actually virus free. This is in keeping with good computing practice.