What does perceptual time distortion refer to?

Perceptual time distortion refers to the phenomenon where individuals perceive the passage of time as being faster or slower than its actual measurement. This can occur in various situations, such as during periods of intense focus, stress, or excitement, where time may seem to fly by, or in moments of boredom or anxiety, where it feels like time is dragging. The ability to perceive time inaccurately can have significant implications in various contexts, such as in stressful situations for law enforcement officers or in situations requiring critical decision-making.

The other options provided relate to different aspects of perception. The perception of distance pertains to how we visually interpret the space between objects, while mental shortcuts refer to cognitive efficiency strategies used in judgment and decision-making. Illusions regarding spatial awareness involve how objects may be perceived in terms of their placement and relation to one another in space. Each of these concepts is distinct from the experience of time distortion, which specifically addresses how we perceive the passage of time itself.