Watson, Derrick G. , Maylor, Elizabeth A. and Bruce, Lucy A. M.. (2007) The role of eye movements in subitizing and counting. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, Vol.33 (No.6). pp. 1389-1399. ISSN 0096-1523

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Abstract

Previous work has suggested that eye movements may be necessary for accurate enumeration beyond the subitization range of about 4 items. This study determined the frequency of eye movements normally made during enumeration, their relationship to response times, and whether they are required for accurate performance. This was achieved by monitoring eye movements and comparing performance when observers were allowed to saccade and when they were not. The results showed that (a) there was a sharp increase in saccadic frequency beyond about 4 items (from < 0.2 saccades per item to about I per item), and (b) enumeration of fewer than 4 items remained rapid and accurate even when eye movements were prevented, whereas enumeration beyond this became less efficient and sometimes less accurate. The results are discussed in relation to the memory and processing requirements of enumeration tasks.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Eye — Movements, Visual perception, Numeration , Number concept, Human information processing
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
ISSN:	0096-1523
Date:	December 2007
Volume:	Vol.33
Number:	No.6
Number of Pages:	11
Page Range:	pp. 1389-1399
Identification Number:	10.1037/0096-1523.33.6.1389
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Grant number:	R000239180 (ESRC)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/30893

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