Work

Protocol to study how expectations guide predictive eye movements and information sampling in humans

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Investigating eye movements provides a unique tool to explore how expectations influence information sampling in the visual domain. Here, we present a protocol for measuring predictive eye movements during face anticipation as well as fixations and dwell time during face recognition in humans. We describe steps for setting up two eye-tracking experiments. We then detail procedures for the measurement and analysis of eye-tracking data. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Garlichs et al. 1 • Guide for studying expectation effects on information sampling with eye tracking • Steps for setting up, running, and analyzing predictive eye-tracking experiments • Instructions on measuring eye movements in anticipation and recognition tasks Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Investigating eye movements provides a unique tool to explore how expectations influence information sampling in the visual domain. Here, we present a protocol for measuring predictive eye movements during face anticipation as well as fixations and dwell time during face recognition in humans. We describe steps for setting up two eye-tracking experiments. We then detail procedures for the measurement and analysis of eye-tracking data.

Source: STAR Protocols

DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103737

Authors: Annika Garlichs, Mark Lustig, Matthias Gamer, Helen Blank

Institutions: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Universität Hamburg, University of Würzburg, Ruhr University Bochum

Language: English

Topic: Face Recognition and Perception

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,550

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft