Figure 1.
Example trial sequences for conditioning and timing phases. (A) Conditioning Phase: Green and blue squares were followed by either aversive electrical stimulation (US) or neutral tactile stimulation (TS) on 50% of trials after a variable 700-1500 ms trace interval. Participants were instructed to indicate via key press whether they expected the US, TS, or were unsure as soon as a square was presented. (B) Timing Task: A 400-ms standard tone was presented, followed by one of the two colored squares from the conditioning phase, and then a test tone of varying duration. Stimulation (US or TS) was delivered at the offset of the second tone on 50% of trials. A response screen asked participants to indicate whether the test tone was ‘longer’ or ‘shorter’ in duration than the standard tone.