Abstract
Eye-tracking, a powerful research tool to probe into cognitive processes, has recently gained traction in research investigations in areas of applied linguistics, including language testing, as it becomes more accessible and affordable. A sparse number of review papers on eye-tracking applications in sub-disciplines of applied linguistics, such as reading, computer-mediated language learning, and second language acquisition (Conklin & Pellicer-Sánchez, 2016; Michel & Smith, 2017; Winke, 2013), have been authored, and research endeavors continue in the field of applied linguistics, in general, and language testing, in particular (e.g., Lee & Choi, 2019; Lee & Winke, 2018; McCray & Brunfaut, 2018; Ranalli, Feng, & Chukharev-Hudilainen, 2018; Yu, He, & Isaacs, 2017; Winke & Lim, 2015). Nonetheless, references that provide comprehensive guidelines for fledgling scholars who seek to conduct eye-tracking research are still in need. In recognition of this quagmire, Conklin, Pellicer-Sánchez, and Carrol wrote Eye-tracking: A Guide for Applied Linguistics Research with the intention of providing applied linguists with a proper “foundation so that eye-tracking can become a useful and valuable research tool in applied linguistics research” (p. xiii). To this end, they provide an introduction to what eye-tracking is and what eye-tracking systems available in the market do, together with their technical limitations, and they highlight methodological issues regarding the design and implementation of eye-tracking research projects. This book is the first of at least two publications devoted to eye-tracking in a broad range of sub-disciplines in applied linguistics (see also Godfroid, 2020).
This addition features eight chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to eye-tracking technology; fundamentals of the technique, including important terms (e.g., saccades, fixations, and regression) and the eye-mind assumption, are introduced. In addition, major advantages and considerations for study design are discussed. This chapter lays the foundation for a wide array of topics that are covered in the subsequent chapters. Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the technicalities and practicalities of eye-tracking. Chapter 2 discusses technical aspects of the hardware and software properties of a few eye-tracking systems commonly put into use (e.g., EyeLink II, Tobi Pro TX300, iView X RED). By introducing the detailed specifications of those systems, the chapter provides guidelines for choosing the appropriate eye-tracking systems for research. Chapter 3 delineates the practical details of designing, creating, and running eye-tracking research on the eye-tracking systems introduced in the preceding chapter and sheds light on a variety of issues (regarding the preparation of stimuli and selection of participants and measures, for instance) that must be taken into account in each phase of eye-tracking research. Chapters 2 and 3 would be particularly beneficial for beginner researchers who have little experience of carrying out research projects using an eye-tracker.
Chapters 4 to 6 center on the review of previous eye-tracking research in the areas of reading, listening, and other under-explored subfields in applied linguistics and highlight methodological issues. Chapter 4 begins with a brief introduction to the mechanics of the eye, followed by a discussion of implications the distinctions of ocular regions have for the design of eye-tracking research. Then, the chapter summarizes the findings of reading studies and discusses measures relevant to word recognition and integration and factors that affect the two. Through example studies, the rest of the chapter addresses methodological considerations for the investigation of processing known words, new words, multi-word units, and sentences and morpho-syntax. Chapter 5 starts with a discussion of similarities and differences in eye-movement behaviors for reading and viewing, and the visual-world paradigm, which refers to a “look while listening methodology” (p. 113). The premise of the method (looking patterns indicate referential decisions) is discussed along with its three underlying assumptions: (1) visual attention is guided by participants’ real-life knowledge, visual and linguistic stimuli, and the goals of a task; (2) visual attention shows participants’ referential decisions; and (3) referential decisions reveal participants’ syntactic parsing. Then, design considerations for visual and aural stimuli are touched upon. The remaining portion of the chapter is devoted to major concerns regarding the creation of visual and aural stimuli in the contexts of example studies. Chapter 6 covers the potential uses of eye-tracking technology in other fields of applied linguistics, namely, language testing, writing research, corpus linguistics, translation research, computer-mediated communication, and literacy linguistics. Each section of these fields illustrates the following: (1) potential variables to measure; (2) methodological considerations; and (3) an example study. The methodological considerations commonly discussed throughout the chapter include the following: what variables to measure; what needs to be normalized; what factors should be accounted for; what care should be taken in designing the study; and what methodological challenges researchers can encounter as a result of the technical constraints of an eye-tracking system. The section “Example Study” outlines one example research scenario and relevant research questions and guides readers through the research design by discussing data collection procedures, covariates to consider, technical and methodological issues to heed, and variables to measure in answering the research questions. Although all sections in this chapter are relevant to language testing researchers, the section on eye-tracking in language testing would be of great use to them.
Chapter 7 provides guidance on the processes of data screening and analysis and presentation of results. Specifically, it delineates how to check, clean, and summarize eye-tracking data, as well as how to export and prepare the data for a statistical analysis (e.g., transforming data to normalize the distribution). Then the authors discuss statistical techniques that can be used for the analysis of eye-tracking data, paying particular attention to linear mixed-effects modelling and data analysis depending on the types of data (continuous, discrete, or categorical) in reading and visual studies. The chapter culminates with suggestions for reporting the results of statistical analyses. Chapter 8 concludes the book, clarifying 10 misconceptions regarding the use of eye-tracking commonly held by applied linguists with respect to the issues discussed in the previous chapters (e.g., eye-tracking is suitable for examining all language research topics).
This book has several strengths. First of all, it can serve as a suitable starting point for applied linguists who are new to eye-tracking research. In addition, it includes a literature review, discusses the methodological issues in the context of exemplary studies, and provides practical guidelines for application. This book would serve researchers particularly well in less-explored fields of applied linguistics, including language assessment, in that it suggests research ideas that are worthy of investigation. One of the foremost strengths of the book lies in the final checklist provided at the end of each chapter (except Chapters 1 and 8). The checklists present a summary of the key methodological considerations in terms of choosing an eye-tracker, designing and implementing a study, and dealing with data.
Overall, this book provides thorough guidelines in conducting eye-tracking research by choosing and illustrating a few selective eye-tracking systems. However, as the eye-trackers of different vendors include somewhat distinctive features from each other, readers would make best use of this book if they have a specific eye-tracking system in mind. It should also be borne in mind that, as the authors repeatedly mention, this reference book provides researchers with a road map for how to design and carry out studies using eye-tracking technology, rather than shortcuts to the mastery of eye-tracking research. In other words, the best way to acquire competencies using the technique and grasp the methodological considerations is through hands-on experience.
To conclude, this pioneering publication is comprehensive, informative, and accessible, and likely to appeal to a broad readership. As suggested in the preface, the best possible way to use this book would be to read selectively the chapters that are most relevant to one’s area(s) of research interest and needs. We believe that the book should be a mandatory source of reference, particularly to novice scholars in eye-tracking research. The portion allocated to language assessment appears somewhat insignificant due to the fact that eye-tracking research in the field is in its incipient stage. However, taking into account the considerable potential of eye-tracking as a window into test takers’ moment-to-moment cognitive processes, we expect the volume of eye-tracking research in language testing to constantly expand, and we expect far more in-depth discussions regarding the field to be made in the next edition of this book.
