The impact of video speed on intention attribution

Supporting referees and judges with video footage is very common in sports. Recent research investigating video footage in sport suggests that video speed influences duration estimation (Schütz et al., 2021; Sperl et al., 2021). It is also discussed that changes in video speed (e.g., slow motion) can lead to harsher penalizations because the intention is overestimated (Caruso et al., 2016; Spitz et al., 2018). In four experiments we investigated whether video speed influences time judgment and intention attribution. In study 1-3 participants ( n 1 = 98; n 2 = 81; n 3 = 104) saw four different animated video contexts of stick figures acting (fouls scene in soccer and hockey, assault with an axe and gun) in different video durations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 seconds). In study 2 and study 3, video material was modified, integrating bystanders (Study 2) and crowd noise (Study 3). In study 4 ( n 4 = 97) more realistic video material (real sport videos) was used. Results show a main effect of video speed for intention attribution and duration estimation. With decreasing video speed intention attribution increased, suggesting a linear trend (Study 2-4). We found an interaction of video speed and bystander reaction on intention attribution (Study 2). The valence of crowd noise had no effect on intention attribution (Study 3). These studies help to generate a more differentiated picture of the influence of video speed on both intention attribution and duration estimation, e.g. in the context of sports officiating. • Slower video speed increases perceived intent—but only up to a specific time threshold • Slow motion may bias referees’ judgments by exaggerating perceived deliberateness • Video replay speed should be considered carefully in referee training and match reviews