scholarly journals Eye-tracking research

2021 ◽  
pp. 39-60
Author(s):  
Sylwester Białowąs ◽  
Adrianna Szyszka

Eye movements provide information on subconscious reactions in response to stimuli and are a reflection of attention and focus. With regard to visual activity, four types of eye movements—fixations, saccades, smooth pursuits and blinks—can be distinguished. Fixations—the number and distribution, total fixation time or average fixation duration are among the most common measures. The capabilities of this research method also allow the determination of scanpaths that track gaze on the image as well as heat- and focus maps, which visually represent points of gaze focus. A key concept in eye-tracking that allows for more in-depth analysis is areas of interest (AOI)—measures can then be taken for selected parts of the visual stimulus. On the other hand, the area of gaze outside the scope of analysis is called white space. The software allows for comparisons of static and non-static stimuli and provides a choice of template, dataset, metrics or data format. In conducting eye-tracking research, proper calibration is crucial, which means that the participant’s gaze should be adjusted to the internal model of the eye-tracking software. In addition, attention should be paid to such aspects as time and spatial control. The exposure time for each participant should be identical. The testing space should be well-lit and at a comfortable temperature.

Author(s):  
Nathan T. Dorris ◽  
R. Brian Valimont ◽  
Eric J. Boelhouwer

This investigation tested whether heavily degraded warnings affected gaze patterns and resulted in longer viewing times than lightly degraded warnings. The study included sixteen participants who viewed six matched pairs of lightly and heavily degraded warnings. Eye movements were recorded using an eye tracking system while the total time on task for each warning was collected. Fixation times were also collected as participants viewed the various panels of each warning. In the second part of the experiment, legibility and participant comprehension of each warning was tested. Paired t-tests showed that total time on task, total fixation time, and message panel fixation time were consistently significantly different for three of the six pairs of warnings, such that each of the three aforementioned times increased significantly when participants were viewing a highly degraded warning label. Additionally, participants were able to comprehend all warnings presented. This study also provides evidence that eye tracking can be a useful tool in warnings research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quan Lu ◽  
Jiyue Zhang ◽  
Jing Chen ◽  
Ji Li

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effect of domain knowledge on eye-tracking measures and predict readers’ domain knowledge from these measures in a navigational table of contents (N-TOC) system. Design/methodology/approach A controlled experiment of three reading tasks was conducted in an N-TOC system for 24 postgraduates of Wuhan University. Data including fixation duration, fixation count and inter-scanning transitions were collected and calculated. Participants’ domain knowledge was measured by pre-experiment questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was leveraged to build the prediction model and the model’s performance was evaluated based on baseline model. Findings The results showed that novices spent significantly more time in fixating on text area than experts, because of the difficulty of understanding the information of text area. Total fixation duration on text area (TFD_T) was a significantly negative predictor of domain knowledge. The prediction performance of logistic regression model using eye-tracking measures was better than baseline model, with the accuracy, precision and F(β = 1) scores to be 0.71, 0.86, 0.79. Originality/value Little research has been reported in literature on investigation of domain knowledge effect on eye-tracking measures during reading and prediction of domain knowledge based on eye-tracking measures. Most studies focus on multimedia learning. With respect to the prediction of domain knowledge, only some studies are found in the field of information search. This paper makes a good contribution to the literature on the effect of domain knowledge on eye-tracking measures during N-TOC reading and predicting domain knowledge.


2021 ◽  
pp. 196-219
Author(s):  
Galina Ya. Menshikova ◽  
Anna O. Pichugina

Background. The article is devoted to the study of the mechanisms of face perception when using the technology of eye-tracking. In the scientific literature, two processes are distinguished - analytical (perception of individual facial features) and holistic (perception of a general configuration of facial features). It is assumed that each of the mechanisms can be specifically manifested in patterns of eye movements during face perception. However, there is disagreement among the authors concerning the eye movements patterns which reflect the dominance of the holistic or analytic processing. We hypothesized that the contradictions in the interpretation of eye movement indicators in the studies of face perception may be associated with the features of the eye-tracker data processing, namely, with the specifics of identifying areas of interest (eyes, nose, bridge of the nose, lips), as well as with individual strategies of eye movements. Objective. Revealing the features of eye movements analysis in the process of facial perception. Method. A method for studying analytical and holistic processing in the task of assessing the attractiveness of upright and inverted faces using eye-tracking technology has been developed and tested. The eye-tracking data were analyzed for the entire sample using three types of processing, differing in the marking of the areas of interest (AOIs), and separately for two groups differing in eye movement strategies. The distinction of strategies was considered based on differences in the mean values of the fixation duration and the amplitude of saccades. Results. It was shown that: the presence of statistically significant differences of the dwell time in the AOIs between the condition of upright and inverted faces depended on the method of identifying these AOIs. It was shown that the distribution of the dwell time by zones is closely related to individual strategies of eye movements. Analysis of the data separately by groups showed significant differences in the distribution of the dwell time in the AOIs. Conclusion. When processing eye-tracking data obtained in the studies of face perception, it is necessary to consider individual strategies of eye movements, as well as the features associated with identifying AOIs. The absence of a single standard for identifying these areas can be the reason for inconsistency of the data about the holistic or analytical processing dominance. According to our data, the most effective for the analysis of holistic processing is a more detailed type of marking the AOIs, in which not only the main features (eyes, nose, mouth) are distinguished, but also the area of the nose bridge and nose.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
Ya. K. Smirnova ◽  

The article investigates joint attention deficits in various forms of atypical development using eye movement recording. Preschoolers aged 5-7 years from different clinical groups participated in the study: typically developing (n = 20), with mental retardation (ICD-10 class F83) (n = 20), preschoolers with delayed speech development (ICD-10 class R47) (n = 20), with hearing impairment (sensorineural hearing loss, ICD-10 class H90) (n = 10) and with visual impairment (amblyopia and strabismus, IBC-10 class H53) (n = 20). Contrasting group analyses allowed us to identify both specific and universal manifestations of joint attention deficit symptoms in the different forms of atypical development. Gaze tracking was used to analyze fixation duration and frequency, fixation distribution, areas of interest, and to identify markers of joint attention deficits that interfere with the child's productive interaction with an adult. Potential mechanisms of atypical joint attention are described, including atypical direction of gaze, changes in the dynamics of the operative visual field, duration of visual concentration, and accuracy in fixing the object’s elements. It is shown that fixation time in joint attention episodes can be regarded as a prognostic marker of joint attention disorders: joint attention is associated not only with spatial characteristics of areas of interest, but also with fixation duration on the object (decrease/increase in fixation duration).


2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-310
Author(s):  
Sarah Gauly ◽  
Gesa Busch ◽  
Achim Spiller ◽  
Ulrich Enneking ◽  
Susanne Kunde ◽  
...  

Using eye-tracking, this study investigates fixation duration of students viewing pictures of pigs, which systematically vary in the facial expression of the pig and in the barn setting. The aim of this study is to analyze which picture elements are viewed and for how long, as well as how fixation times vary with a change of the expression of the pig and the barn type. The results show clear effects of picture composition: pig expression and pen type affect fixation durations of different areas of interest with the influence of the pig being considerably larger. Face regions are viewed longer in the “happy” pig, while floor/bedding and the eyes are viewed longer in pictures showing the “unhappy” pig which might be a hint for information search. The power of facial expressions, also for the depiction of farm animals, is a new finding of this paper, which might be of importance when selecting agricultural pictures for different purposes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Rupert Andrew Hurley ◽  
Julie Christine Rice ◽  
David Cottrell ◽  
Drew Felty

In today’s market there are a growing number of packaged goods on the shelves that consumers have to sift through in order to make purchasing decision. To stand out from the competition, companies often times change a product’s packaging to revolutionize the product or add important information to the package. Changing the package design can be risky for repeated customers because they become conditioned to the old package design. A private canning company worked with our researchers to conduct an eye tracking study in CUshop™ at PackExpo (tradeshow) 2014 in Chicago, Il to examine the effect of newly added labels on canned creole. Through a collaborative study at this trade show, quantitative and qualitative data was collected on three different canned creole packaging. A total of 272 participants took place in this study to evaluate if adding “can facts” to the package label and litho printing the ends of the cans had an effect on consumer attention compared to the control can. Three eye tracking metrics were tested and statistical analysis yielded significant results for the can facts and litho ends compared to the control for the Total Fixation Duration (TFD) metric. Participants viewed the can fact cans and litho end cans significantly longer than the control. Survey findings found that participants preferred the litho ends 75% compared to the control and the can facts 53% compared to the control. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 1269-1279
Author(s):  
Russell S Frautschi ◽  
Nadeera Dawlagala ◽  
Eric W Klingemier ◽  
Hannah S England ◽  
Nicholas R Sinclair ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The ability to quantitatively analyze how we look at a face and determine if this changes following facial surgery should be of interest to the plastic surgeon. Eye tracking technology (ETT) provides the ability to record where observers fixate when viewing a facial image, enabling quantitative data to be obtained comparing pre- and postoperative changes. Objectives The authors sought to investigate ETT as a novel outcome assessment tool, determining if facial rejuvenation surgery shifts attention away from the prominent signs of aging, and if so, where this attention shifts. Methods Twenty-five volunteers viewed 32 randomized frontal, oblique, and lateral images of 11 patients pre- and post-facelift. An eye movement monitoring system recorded the observer’s eye position, net dwell time, fixation count, fixation time, and revisits into predefined areas of interest. Data were grouped and analyzed by angle and areas of interest. Paired t tests were employed to detect significant differences in pre- and post-images. Results On frontal images, less dwell time, fixations, and revisits were noted on the bottom third, forehead, perioral region, and neck (P < 0.05). On the lateral view, less visual attention was given to the neck, upper third, and perioral region, with more time in the cheek, nose, and middle third (P < 0.05). On oblique images, less attention was given to the neck and upper lid with more aimed at the middle third of the face (P < 0.05). Conclusions ETT provides quantitative data post-facial rejuvenation. Facial aesthetic surgery does alter where observers look when viewing a face, decreasing the time spent inspecting the prominent signs of aging.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 2880-2888 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Henderson ◽  
Wonil Choi ◽  
Steven G. Luke

In skilled reading, fixations are brief periods of time in which the eyes settle on words. E-Z Reader, a computational model of dynamic reading, posits that fixation durations are under real-time control of lexical processing. Lexical processing, in turn, requires efficient visual encoding. Here we tested the hypothesis that individual differences in fixation durations are related to individual differences in the efficiency of early visual encoding. To test this hypothesis, we recorded participants' eye movements during reading. We then examined individual differences in fixation duration distributions as a function of individual differences in the morphology of primary visual cortex measured from MRI scans. The results showed that greater gray matter surface area and volume in visual cortex predicted shorter and less variable fixation durations in reading. These results suggest that individual differences in eye movements during skilled reading are related to initial visual encoding, consistent with models such as E-Z Reader that emphasize lexical control over fixation time.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabela Krejtz ◽  
Agnieszka Szarkowska ◽  
Krzysztof Krejtz

In this paper we address the question whether shot changes trigger the re-reading of subtitles. Although it has been accepted in the professional literature on subtitling that subtitles should not be displayed over shot changes as they induce subtitle re-reading, support for this claim in eye movement studies is difficult to find. In this study we examined eye movement patterns of 71 participants watching news and documentary clips. We analysed subject hit count, number of fixations, first fixation duration, fixation time percent and transition matrix before, during and after shot changes in subtitles displayed over a shot change. Results of our study show that most viewers do not re-read subtitlescrossing shot changes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Tahri Sqalli ◽  
Dena Al-Thani ◽  
Mohamed Badreldin Elshazly ◽  
‪Mohammed Al-Hijji

BACKGROUND It is common among healthcare practitioners that accurate interpretation of a 12-lead electrocardiogram demands high levels of skill and expertise. There is a variation amongst healthcare practitioners in their ability to read ECGs accurately and quickly. Moreover, guidelines or best-practices for a standard interpretation process are inexistant. This causes a chasm between skilled interpreters and medical students who are just beginning to develop this skill. OBJECTIVE This study aims to use the eye tracking methodology to research whether eye fixation can be used to gain a deeper understanding into how medical students acquire the ECG interpretation skill. METHODS Each one of the sixteen recruited medical students was asked to interpret ten different types of 12-lead ECGs, while their eye movements were recorded using a Tobii X60 eye tracker. The device uses corneal reflection technology to non-intrusively record the interpreter’s eye movements. The frequency of sampling is 60Hz. Fixations’ heatmaps of where medical students looked at were generated from the collected dataset. A statistical analysis was conducted on the fixations’ count and duration using the Mann Whitney U test, and the Kruskal Wallis test. RESULTS A total number of 16 medical students interpreting 10 ECGs each were recorded. Each interpretation lasted for a duration of 30 seconds. The mean accuracy of the interpretations was 55.63% with a standard deviation of 4.63 %. After analyzing the average fixation duration, we find that on average students study the three lower leads (rhythm strips) the most with a top-down approach (lead II has highest fixation time (mean = 2727 ms, SD = 456) followed by leads V1 (mean = 1476 fixations, SD = 320), V5 (mean = 1301 fixations, SD = 236). We also find a strong correlation between some of the eye tracking features like the time spent fixating and the fixation count (r = 0.87). Finally, by analyzing the time to the first fixation, we understand that medical students develop a personal system of interpretation that adapts and reacts to the nature and the complexity of the diagnosis. We also find that medical students consider some leads as their guiding point towards finding a hint leading to the correct interpretation. CONCLUSIONS The use of eye tracking methodology provided a more precise insight into how medical students learn how to interpret a 12-lead ECG. CLINICALTRIAL NA


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