Cognitive Analysis of Imprecise Temporal Expressions

Objective

To see how people interpret vague descriptions of time in text. Examples of vague expressions are: "many days", "more than one hour", "about 2 months".

Instructions

All the following questions are fictional.
  • Each question shows a sentence comprising 2 to 3 descriptions of time that can be precise or imprecise.
  • The target descriptions of time to be evaluated will be underlined.
  • There are no right or wrong answers, or trick questions. Please work quickly and do not think too long about the exact meaning of the question.

*** All questions must be answered before submitting the form.

Questions
1. (T119) About the following sentence:
We started our sale three weeks ago. It will last for around 20 days. We expect to put another sale on next year too.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in days) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and days.
2. (T004) About the following sentence:
The dolphins came to the zoo in Jun/12. They were settled nicely in less than 1 month, though it was 2 weeks before they were eating a normal diet.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in days) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and days.
3. (T040) About the following sentence:
Dean got his first job promotion one year ago, after applying for the new job weeks before. He will receive the result in weeks.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in weeks) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and weeks.
4. (T126) About the following sentence:
They came to an agreement two months ago. The departments would merge in approximately 15 months. In two years we hope to see great rewards.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in months) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and months.
5. (T063) About the following sentence:
On 17/11/2011 Beklan Rovers won their football match. They hope to make the premier league in some days.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in days) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and days.
6. (T074) About the following sentence:
The Rovers won their basketball match on 02/02/2007, many years after their last win.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in years) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and years.
7. (T035) About the following sentence:
In 2012 Mr Mercer began making olive oil and is currently one of the top sellers in the world, though they have been selling internationally for 18 months.
Which one do you consider the most appropriate option to express the amount of time since when the event associated with the underlined expression occurred?
8. (T053) About the following sentence:
Dr James returned from France in December this year, after spending about 2 weeks in Paris.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in days) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and days.
9. (T031) About the following sentence:
The number of hybrid vehicles increased this year, some of which run for days before needing recharging. The new car to be released in 7 months will run for longer.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in days) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and days.
10. (T093) About the following sentence:
In January 2008 Anna passed a dance audition after practising her dance routine for more than 12 months.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in months) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and months.
11. (T084) About the following sentence:
Filipo Chaucer was born in March, less than 6 weeks after his mother arrived back in her town.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in weeks) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and weeks.
12. (T070) About the following sentence:
7 months ago Kelly got her first dance assignment. It lasted for a few weeks.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in weeks) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and weeks.
13. (T058) About the following sentence:
Sue started her business one-and-a-half years ago. For about 3 years now, business sales have been very high.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in months) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and months.
14. (T024) About the following sentence:
Mrs Jeffers graduated 20 years ago. She took over 6 months to secure her first job, but when she did, she was employed there for 10 years.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in months) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and months.
15. (T087) About the following sentence:
We will be importing some new orchids next month. We expect to see hundreds of offspring in less than 5 years.
What do you consider the most appropriate period of time (in years) for the highlighted expression?
Something between and years.