Testing Ideas About Visual Perception from Real-world Observations Using Behavioral and Eye Tracking Measurements

Summary

We present a protocol for using convergent behavioral and eye tracking measures to develop an explanation for a real-world observation that cannot fully be accounted for by existing theories.

Abstract

The majority of scientific inquiry relies on deducing specific conclusions from general rules. However, when existing theories fail to fully account for a given observation, an abductive approach can allow for the formulation of new theories that can then be tested and gradually expanded to account for a wider range of similar observations. Here, we present an abductive approach using convergent behavioral and eye tracking measures to explain a real-world observation that grouping by color similarity facilitates observers in tracking the interactions between players on different sports teams.

Introduction

For over a century, investigations of visual perception have relied predominantly on deductive methods. Predictions of an existing theory are tested and the resultant data call for the theory to be supported, modified, or abandoned in favor of an alternative or newly developed theory. However, it is not always possible to deduce specific ideas from general principles when the goal is to understand these general principles. For example, our current understanding of how the limited capacity visual system is able to construct the illusion of stable and complete perception stems largely from abductive work pioneered by Gestalt Psychologists, who developed a set of heurist....

Protocol

All aspects of the protocol were approved by the local research ethics committee.

1. Participant Recruitment

1. Recruit participants aged 18-35 years to ensure that their eyes are fully developed but likely not subject to the effects of aging (e.g., presbyopia).
2. Stress during recruitment that participants must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision.

2. Experimental Design

NOTE: Using a stimulus presenta.......

Discussion

The protocol presented here promotes a form of abductive research, beginning with a real-world observation and then using behavioral and eye tracking measures to seek out the most parsimonious explanation. Although the current research climate almost exclusively promotes deductive research, there are numerous circumstances in which an observation does not fit within current theories and an alternative explanation must be formed. The present protocol focusses on a situation where a benefit of being able to pay attention t.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
None until we actually film