Temporal Distance, Event Representation, and Similarity

A recent line of research suggests that an event’s temporal distance from the present has an effect on the way in which it is likely to be construed. Specifically, more distant events are proposed to be represented primarily in terms of abstract, decontextualized information, while events in the near future tend to produce relatively more concrete, situation-specific construals. In the current study, we examine the extent to which this sort of effect can differentially emphasize commonalities between two events. Similarity ratings were collected for pairs of events sharing either high-level or lowlevel commonalities, and described as occurring in either the near or distant future. Consistent with predictions, an interaction was observed between temporal distance and commonality level. Broader implications for cognitive processing are discussed.