Abstract:

Eye tracking serves as a powerful tool across a variety of empirical research areas: From usability research over cognitive research to educational research and applications in classrooms. However, data noise in eye tracking data poses a challenge to researchers and educators, as it leads to gaze positions being measured imprecisely under unfavorable conditions.

In our previous study, we systematically investigated factors that influence data quality and are easily controllable in a classroom or laboratory environment, such as illumination, sampling frequency, and head orientation. However, no recommendations regarding the light source and light orientation could be provided, as these influences could not be analyzed in sufficient detail. Yet, a further examination of these factors, eliminating human influences by using an artificial head, revealed significant differences between individual settings.

Hence, in this empirical study of eye tracking as an educational technology, we delve deeper into examining the impact of both light source and light orientation on data quality. This is investigated with an artificial head together with the Tobii Pro Spectrum eye tracking device.

To measure data quality, we use the metrics precision and standard deviation as indicators of data noise. The obtained results derive practical advice for educators and researchers, such as not to illuminate the subject from the rear, in order to gather useful data for research and future classroom applications.

Thereby, this study serves as a complement to our previous research, answering open questions regarding best practices for researchers and educators when using eye trackers. It aims to provide valuable insights into producing data of the highest quality possible when using eye trackers, both in laboratory settings and in future classrooms applications.

Keywords:

Eye tracking, data quality, best practices, lighting conditions, standard deviation, precision.