Domain-specific interpretation of eye tracking data: towards a refined use of the eye-mind hypothesis for the field of geometry

• DOI: 10.1007/s10649-019-9878-z
• Publication Date: 2019-02-06T08:03:32Z
• Authors: Maike Schindler; Achim J. Lilienthal
• Keywords: 4. Education; 05 social sciences; 0503 education

Eye tracking is getting increasingly popular in mathematics education research. Studies predominantly rely on the so-called eye-mind hypothesis (EMH), which posits that what persons fixate closely relates to they process. Given EMH was developed reading research, we see risk implicit assumptions are tacitly adopted even though may not apply this domain. This article investigates extent applies mathematics—geometry particular—and aims lift discussion of inferences can be validly made from eye-tracking data. We use a case study investigate need for refinement EMH. In stimulated recall interview, student described his original thoughts perusing gaze-overlaid video recorded when he working geometry problem. Our findings contribute better understanding and how subdomain geometry. particular, identify patterns eye movements provide valuable information students' problem solving: certain where fixates processing others does hold. Identifying such an interpretation theory geometry—exemplifying domain-specific reduce inherent ambiguity uncertainty data analysis has.