Effect of Expectation on Visual Attention: An Eye Tracking Study

Abstract

Previous studies have primarily manipulated expectations using double peripheral cues, which may not accurately represent real-world scenarios. Additionally, this approach allows participants to use specific strategies to anticipate object locations, potentially affecting the validity of the results. To address these gaps, the present study employs hidden object games as a more naturalistic manipulation of expectations. This study investigates the effect of expectation on visual attention using hidden object games as stimuli and eye tracking as a measurement tool. Using an experimental design, participants were divided into two groups: congruent and incongruent object conditions. The study involved 8 participants. Visual attention was observed using Tobii Eye Tracking, focusing on fixation counts as an indicator of cognitive processing effort. Results showed a significant difference in fixation counts between the two groups, with fewer fixations observed in the congruent condition compared to the incongruent condition. This suggests that congruent objects are processed more efficiently due to aligned expectations, whereas incongruent objects require more cognitive effort for visual search. These findings support the role of top-down mechanisms in guiding visual attention and highlight the influence of expectations on perceptual processing.