Neural markers of memory consolidation do not predict temporal estimates of encoded items

In contrast to the paradigms used in most laboratory experiments on interval timing, everyday tasks often involve the continuous tracking of multiple intervals without an explicit starting signal. A potential explanation of this capacity is that time perception and working memory encoding are closely connected. In this integrative model, the consolidation of a new item in working memory would initiate cortical oscillations that also signal the onset of a time interval. The objective of this study was to test whether memory consolidation indeed acts as the starting signal of interval timing. Participants performed an attentional blink task in which they not only reported the identity of the targets, but also the estimated target onsets, allowing us to calculate estimated lag. In the attentional blink task, the second target (T2) in a rapid serial visual presentation is often not reported when it follows quickly after the first target (T1). However, if this fast T2 is reported, the memory consolidation of T2 is presumably delayed. Consequently, if memory consolidation determines interval onset, we would expect a later estimated onset when consolidation is delayed. Furthermore, as the P3 ERP component reflects memory consolidation, we expect that the estimated target onsets and lags are a function of P3 latencies. The behavioural data show that the presumed delay in memory consolidation did not lead to later estimated onsets. In addition, the ERP results show that there was no relationship between P3 latency and subjective lag or estimated onset. Overall, our results suggest that there is no direct link between memory consolidation and sub-second interval timing in the attentional blink task.