Expertise Differences in the Comprehension of Visualizations: A Meta-Analysis of Eye-Tracking Research in Professional Domains

• In Event: Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Becoming an Expert

Abstract

This meta-analysis integrates 296 effect sizes reported in eye-tracking research on expertise differences in the comprehension of visualizations. Three theories were evaluated: the theory of long-term working memory, the information reduction hypothesis, and the holistic model of image perception. Results indicated that experts, when compared with non-experts, had shorter fixation durations, more fixations on task-relevant areas, and fewer fixations on task-redundant areas; experts also had longer saccades and shorter times to first fixate relevant information. Eye movements, reaction time, and performance accuracy were moderated by characteristics of visualization (dynamics, realism, dimensionality, modality, and text annotation), task (complexity, time-on-task, and task control), and domain (sports, medicine, transportation, other). Implications of these findings for the design of professional education are discussed.

Authors

• Andreas Gegenfurtner, Maastricht University

• Erno A. Lehtinen, University of Turku

• Roger Saljo, University of Gothenburg