Abstract
Support for the proposition that the Quiet Eye (QE) duration reflects a period of response programming (including task parameterisation) has come from research showing that an increase in task difficulty is associated with increases in QE duration. Here, we build on previous research by manipulating three elements of task difficulty that correspond with different parameters of golf-putting performance; force production, impact quality and target line. Longer QE durations were found for more complex iterations of the task and furthermore, more sensitive analyses of the QE duration suggest that the early QE proportion (prior to movement initiation) is closely related to force production and impact quality. However, these increases in QE do not seem functional in terms of supporting improved performance. Further research is needed to explore QE’s relationship with performance under conditions of increased difficulty.
Highlights
The Quiet Eye (QE; Vickers 1996)—defined as the final fixation directed to a single location or object prior to initiation of movement—has become a well-established characteristic of expertise and proficiency
The predominant explanation is that the QE reflects a period of response programming, where task parameterisation occurs as a result of the consolidation of information from the QE duration itself, as well as previous fixations and performance attempts
As well as some equivocal findings—Wilson and Pearcey (2009) found that QE duration in golf putting was not associated with changes in the slope of the putting surface—previous research has been imprecise in how task difficulty has been manipulated
Summary
The Quiet Eye (QE; Vickers 1996)—defined as the final fixation directed to a single location or object prior to initiation of movement—has become a well-established characteristic of expertise and proficiency (for a recent meta-analysis and review see Lebeau et al 2016). The predominant explanation is that the QE reflects a period of response programming, where task parameterisation (e.g. force and direction) occurs as a result of the consolidation of information from the QE duration itself, as well as previous fixations and performance attempts (for a recent overview see Gonzalez et al 2015). Several noteworthy attempts have been made to experimentally examine the response programming function of the QE by manipulating task difficulty in billiards shooting (Williams et al 2002) and in ball (Klostermann et al 2013) and dart (Horn et al 2012) throwing tasks. Williams et al (2002) focused on manipulating the complexity of well-known billiards shots that involved the programming of different shot angles, which may not reflect QE’s response to other relevant parameters such as changes in force production
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