ANTICIPATING ARRIVAL - IS THE TAU-MARGIN A SPECIOUS THEORY

A critical review is presented of previous studies that have examined the use of the tau margin (tau(m)) in the temporal judgment of arrival in natural contexts; This body of evidence is frequently cited as pro viding strong support for the use of tau(m) for interceptive timing. C ritical flaws are demonstrated in either the analysis or interpretatio n of many of these studies. It is suggested that temporal control in a number of these experiments could have been effected using a relative distance estimate (zeta ratio). Results are also presented and discus sed that conflict with the tau(m) control hypothesis. It is concluded that although the tau(m) hypothesis provides an appealing account of i nterceptive timing, its broad acceptance is unwarranted on the evidenc e available.