Attention and Entropy in Simulated Flight with Varying Cognitive Loads

INTRODUCTION: This study is conducted to observe the effects of cognitive load on the visual search and attention allocation strategies of pilots. Research on pilots’ visual search strategies can provide valuable information regarding attention distribution and transformation, as well as useful situation awareness (SA) predictions.METHODS: A total of 18 pilots performed flight tasks in a two-condition (high and low cognitive load) within-subject experiment to compare their flight performance and eye movement indicators. Eye movements were tracked during the flight mission by a portable eye-tracking device.RESULTS: Compared to the low cognitive load task, in the high cognitive load task, the subjects exhibited shorter average fixation times (M = 420.38, SD = 60.56), higher fixation frequencies (M = 2.27, SD = 0.30), and lower saccade frequencies (M = 2.7, SD = 0.31). Their flight performance was better during the low cognitive load task, as evidenced by the lower entropy (M = 0.11, SD = 0.03) of their eye movements. Analysis of fixation time percentages and fixation counts showed that the distribution of attention to each area of interest was adjusted dynamically over the course of the given task.DISCUSSION: Significant differences were observed in both fixation order and fixation frequency across the instrument array. When the cognitive load is high, the subjects used more efficient eye movement patterns and search strategies accompanying a higher level of SA.Lu T, Lou Z, Shao F, Li Y, You X. Attention and entropy in simulated flight with varying cognitive loads. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(6):489–495.

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Eye Movements in Response to Pain-Related Feelings in the Presence of Low and High Cognitive Loads

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs10050092 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 92

Author(s):

Ramtin Zargari Marandi ◽

Camilla Ann Fjelsted ◽

Iris Hrustanovic ◽

Rikke Dan Olesen ◽

Parisa Gazerani

Keyword(s):

Eye Movements ◽

Cognitive Load ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Cognitive Processing ◽

Pain Perception ◽

Cognitive Task ◽

Load Level ◽

Task Load ◽

Pupillary Responses ◽

Movement Characteristics

The affective dimension of pain contributes to pain perception. Cognitive load may influence pain-related feelings. Eye tracking has proven useful for detecting cognitive load effects objectively by using relevant eye movement characteristics. In this study, we investigated whether eye movement characteristics differ in response to pain-related feelings in the presence of low and high cognitive loads. A set of validated, control, and pain-related sounds were applied to provoke pain-related feelings. Twelve healthy young participants (six females) performed a cognitive task at two load levels, once with the control and once with pain-related sounds in a randomized order. During the tasks, eye movements and task performance were recorded. Afterwards, the participants were asked to fill out questionnaires on their pain perception in response to the applied cognitive loads. Our findings indicate that an increased cognitive load was associated with a decreased saccade peak velocity, saccade frequency, and fixation frequency, as well as an increased fixation duration and pupil dilation range. Among the oculometrics, pain-related feelings were reflected only in the pupillary responses to a low cognitive load. The performance and perceived cognitive load decreased and increased, respectively, with the task load level and were not influenced by the pain-related sounds. Pain-related feelings were lower when performing the task compared with when no task was being performed in an independent group of participants. This might be due to the cognitive engagement during the task. This study demonstrated that cognitive processing could moderate the feelings associated with pain perception.

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Conscious and unconscious memory differentially impact attention: Eye movements, visual search, and recognition processes

10.31234/osf.io/p8qre ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Ramey ◽

Andrew P. Yonelinas ◽

John M. Henderson

Keyword(s):

Visual Search ◽

Eye Movements ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Visual Information ◽

Subjective Memory ◽

Conscious Recollection ◽

Memory Awareness ◽

Efficient Extraction ◽

Subjective Reports ◽

Unconscious Memory

A hotly debated question is whether memory influences attention through conscious or unconscious processes. To address this controversy, we measured eye movements while participants searched repeated real-world scenes for embedded targets, and we assessed memory for each scene using confidence-based methods to isolate different states of subjective memory awareness. We found that memory-informed eye movements during visual search were predicted both by conscious recollection, which led to a highly precise first eye movement toward the remembered location, and by unconscious memory, which increased search efficiency by gradually directing the eyes toward the target throughout the search trial. In contrast, these eye movement measures were not influenced by familiarity-based memory (i.e., changes in subjective reports of memory strength). The results indicate that conscious recollection and unconscious memory can each play distinct and complementary roles in guiding attention to facilitate efficient extraction of visual information.

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How Do Art Skills Influence Visual Search? – Eye Movements Analyzed With Hidden Markov Models

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.594248 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Miles Tallon ◽

Mark W. Greenlee ◽

Ernst Wagner ◽

Katrin Rakoczy ◽

Ulrich Frick

Keyword(s):

Visual Search ◽

Eye Movements ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Latent Profile Analysis ◽

Latent Class ◽

Hidden Markov ◽

External Validation ◽

Movement Behavior ◽

Membership Probability

The results of two experiments are analyzed to find out how artistic expertise influences visual search. Experiment I comprised survey data of 1,065 students on self-reported visual memory skills and their ability to find three targets in four images of artwork. Experiment II comprised eye movement data of 50 Visual Literacy (VL) experts and non-experts whose eye movements during visual search were analyzed for nine images of artwork as an external validation of the assessment tasks performed in Sample I. No time constraint was set for completion of the visual search task. A latent profile analysis revealed four typical solution patterns for the students in Sample I, including a mainstream group, a group that completes easy images fast and difficult images slowly, a fast and erroneous group, and a slow working student group, depending on task completion time and on the probability of finding all three targets. Eidetic memory, performance in art education and visual imagination as self-reported visual skills have significant impact on latent class membership probability. We present a hidden Markov model (HMM) approach to uncover underlying regions of attraction that result from visual search eye-movement behavior in Experiment II. VL experts and non-experts did not significantly differ in task time and number of targets found but they did differ in their visual search process: compared to non-experts, experts showed greater precision in fixating specific prime and target regions, assessed through hidden state fixation overlap. Exploratory analysis of HMMs revealed differences between experts and non-experts in image locations of attraction (HMM states). Experts seem to focus their attention on smaller image parts whereas non-experts used wider parts of the image during their search. Differences between experts and non-experts depend on the relative saliency of targets embedded in images. HMMs can determine the effect of expertise on exploratory eye movements executed during visual search tasks. Further research on HMMs and art expertise is required to confirm exploratory results.

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THE IMPROVEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING ORGANIZATION OF THE X-RAY SCREENING SYSTEMS OPERATORS BY USING THE EYE MOVEMENTS REGISTRATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF CLUSTER AND DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS

Civil Aviation High TECHNOLOGIES ◽

10.26467/2079-0619-2018-21-3-45-36 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 45-36

Author(s):

A. K. Volkov ◽

V. V. Ionov

Keyword(s):

Visual Search ◽

Eye Movements ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Professional Training ◽

Visual Fatigue ◽

Registration System ◽

X Ray ◽

Tracking Technology ◽

Screening Systems

The X-ray screening systems operators’ professional training is based on the CBT (computer-based training) principle, which has algorithms of adaptive training. These algorithms in existing computer simulators include feedback mechanisms on the basis of trainability exponents – such as the frequency of detecting dangerous objects, the frequency of false alarms and detection time. Further enhancement of the operators’ simulator training effectiveness is associated with the integration of psychophysiological mechanisms providing monitoring of their functional state. Based on the analysis of the particularities of x-ray screening systems operators’ professional training associated with the formation of competences in dangerous objects visual search, the most perspective method is the Eye tracking technology. Domestic and foreign studies of the eye movements characteristics while solving professional tasks in training process are actively developed in various areas. There are no studies of visual search peculiarities in domestic practice in contrast to exterior studies. This research is aimed at considering the usage of Eye tracking technology in the training of x-ray screening systems operators. As the result of the experimental research with the use of mobile eye-tracker Sensomotoric Instruments Eye Tracking Glasses 2.0 the statistical data of eye movement parameters of two groups of subjects with different levels of training have been received. The application of cluster and discriminant analyses methods allowed to identify General classes of these parameters, as well as to obtain the discriminants functions for each group under examination. The theoretical significance of the peculiarities of the operators’ eye movement studies is to identify the patterns of prohibited items visual search. The practical importance of implementation of Eye tracking technology and statistical analysis methods is to increase the reliability of assessment the level of formed competence of x-ray screening systems’ operators in visual search, as well as to develop the potential system of operators’ state monitoring and assessing their visual fatigue.

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Human Frontal Eye Fields and Visual Search

Journal of Neurophysiology ◽

10.1152/jn.01086.2002 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 89 (6) ◽

pp. 3340-3343 ◽

Cited By ~ 134

Author(s):

Neil G. Muggleton ◽

Chi-Hung Juan ◽

Alan Cowey ◽

Vincent Walsh

Keyword(s):

Visual Search ◽

Eye Movements ◽

False Alarm ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Search Task ◽

Scene Analysis ◽

Frontal Eye Fields ◽

Feature Search ◽

Search Tasks

Recent physiological recording studies in monkeys have suggested that the frontal eye fields (FEFs) are involved in visual scene analysis even when eye movement commands are not required. We examined this proposed function of the human frontal eye fields during performance of visual search tasks in which difficulty was matched and eye movements were neither necessary nor required. Magnetic stimulation over FEF modulated performance on a conjunction search task and a simple feature search task in which the target was unpredictable from trial to trial, primarily by increasing false alarm responses. Simple feature search with a predictable target was not affected. The results establish that human FEFs are critical to visual selection, regardless of the need to generate a saccade command.

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Moses or Noah? A case of ‘potato-potahto’ when using a foreign language

Bilingualism Language and Cognition ◽

10.1017/s1366728921000882 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Sara Dhaene ◽

Nicolas Dirix ◽

Hélène Van Marcke ◽

Evy Woumans

Keyword(s):

Eye Movements ◽

Foreign Language ◽

Cognitive Load ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Semantic Processing ◽

Processing Style ◽

Systematic Processing ◽

Heuristic Reasoning ◽

Reading Patterns ◽

Increased Susceptibility

Abstract Research among bilinguals suggests a foreign language effect for various tasks requiring a more systematic processing style. For instance, bilinguals seem less prone to heuristic reasoning when solving problem statements in their foreign (FL) as opposed to their native (NL) language. The present study aimed to determine whether such an effect might also be observed in the detection of semantic anomalies. Participants were presented NL and FL questions with and without anomalies while their eye movements were recorded. Overall, they failed to detect the anomaly in more than half of the trials. Furthermore, more illusions occurred for questions presented in the FL, indicating an FL disadvantage. Additionally, eye movement analyses suggested that reading patterns for anomalies are predominantly similar across languages. Our results therefore substantiate theories suggesting that FL use induces cognitive load, causing increased susceptibility to illusions due to partial semantic processing.

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Optimal planning of eye movements

10.1101/240010 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Hoppe David ◽

Constantin A. Rothkopf

Keyword(s):

Visual Search ◽

Eye Movements ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Crucial Role ◽

Computational Models ◽

Ideal Observer ◽

Optimal Planning ◽

Single Action ◽

Search Tasks ◽

The Ideal

AbstractThe capability of directing gaze to relevant parts in the environment is crucial for our survival. Computational models based on ideal-observer theory have provided quantitative accounts of human gaze selection in a range of visual search tasks. According to these models, gaze is directed to the position in a visual scene, at which uncertainty about task relevant properties will be reduced maximally with the next look. However, in tasks going beyond a single action, delayed rewards can play a crucial role thereby necessitating planning. Here we investigate whether humans are capable of planning more than the next single eye movement. We found evidence that our subjects’ behavior was better explained by an ideal planner compared to the ideal observer. In particular, the location of the first fixation differed depending on the stimulus and the time available for the search. Overall, our results are the first evidence that our visual system is capable of planning.

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Differences in the Perceptual Processes Behind Shading and Achromatic Color Responses on the Rorschach

Rorschachiana Journal of the International Society for the Rorschach ◽

10.1027/1192-5604/a000069 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 180-200 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Masaru Yasuda

Keyword(s):

Eye Movements ◽

Eye Movement ◽

The Other ◽

Fixation Time ◽

Achromatic Color ◽

Movement Data ◽

Other Hand ◽

Main Effect

Abstract. Differences in perceptional processes between shading responses and achromatic-color responses were examined by comparing eye movements. The following hypotheses were tested. Hypothesis 1: Shading responses, compared to non-shading responses, would show an increased fixation time directed at the inside of the area of shading stimuli and a decreased fixation time directed at the outline. Hypothesis 2: The differences in fixation times proposed in Hypothesis 1 would not be observed between achromatic-color responses and non-achromatic-color responses. Eye movement data of 60 responses produced for the W in Card IV and D1 in Card VI were analyzed. The results indicated that shading responses had significantly longer fixation times directed at the inner area and significantly shorter fixation times directed at the outline, compared to non-shading responses. On the other hand, achromatic-color responses did not show a significant main effect or interaction. The above results supported Hypotheses 1 and 2.

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Visual Search and Industrial Inspection

Proceedings of the Human Factors Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193127602000111 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 6-11

Author(s):

E.D. Megaw ◽

J. Richardson

Keyword(s):

Visual Search ◽

Eye Movements ◽

Sheet Material ◽

Target Position ◽

Search Strategies ◽

Position Effects ◽

Target Uncertainty ◽

Industrial Inspection ◽

Series Of Experiments

In a series of experiments which simulated the inspection of sheet material and simple items, target uncertainty was found in several cases to have a significant effect on search times. The distributions of search times and the numerous occurrences of target position effects confirmed that search strategies were not entirely random. By recording eye-movements, subjects were found to employ very different search strategies which highlighted the problem encountered when attempting to infer search strategies based exclusively on search times.

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