Analysis of visual perceptual patterns on screen using eyetracker technology

Abstract

According to current researches, individual differences in eye movement patterns may be related to different ways of text processing, to comprehension difficulties, etc. They also depend on the nature of the text. Particular question is how reading takes place in case of using figurative (visual) language, e.g. in case of metaphors, irony, or fixed phrases (phraseologisms). Based on other researches, it is evident that the development level of executive functions of each individual is strongly tied to their sociocultural background, especially to the parenting style of their family; on the other hand, differences in executive function significantly affect a person's performance at school. The notable part for the aim of this paper, however, is the direct link between executive functions and eye movement, i.e. on the basis of eye tracking it is possible to make direct, unaltered conclusions on executive functions [1]. Electronic screens on laptop and tablet computers and smartphones are being used for reading text, often while multitasking [14]. The question arises whether reading from a screen is as effective as the reading from textbooks. One of the aims of the paper is to verify the visual patterns of information retrieval from screen for problem comprehension and solving using eyetracking technology.