Reliability and Validity of Low Temporal Resolution Eye Tracking Systems in Cognitive Performance Tasks

Eye tracking experiments are an important contribution to human computer interaction (HCI) research. Eye movements indicate attention, information processing, and cognitive state. Oculomotor activity is usually captured with high temporal resolution eye tracking systems, which are expensive and not affordable for everyone. Moreover, these systems require specific hard- and software. However, affordable and practical systems are needed especially for applied research concerning mobile HCI in everyday life. This study examined the reliability/validity of low temporal resolution devices by comparing data of a table-mounted system with an electrooculogram. Gaze patterns of twenty participants were recorded while performing a visual reaction and a surveillance task. Statistical analyses showed high consistency between both measurement systems for recorded gaze parameters. These results indicate that data from low temporal resolution eye trackers are sufficient to derive performance related oculomotor parameters and that such solutions present a viable alternative for applied HCI research.