The development of intersensory temporal perception: An epigenetic systems/limitations view

Several theories have stressed the importance of intersensory integration f or development but have not identified specific underlying integration mech anisms. The author reviews and synthesizes current knowledge about the deve lopment of intersensory temporal perception and offers a theoretical model based on epigenetic systems theory, proposing that responsiveness to 4 basi c features of multimodal temporal experience-temporal synchrony, duration, temporal rate, and rhythm-emerges in a sequential, hierarchical fashion. Th e model postulates that initial developmental limitations make intersensory synchrony the basis for the integration of intersensory temporal relations and that the emergence of responsiveness to the other, increasingly more c omplex, temporal relations occurs in a hierarchical, sequential fashion by building on the previously acquired intersensory temporal processing skills .