Abstract
The main objective of this research is to explore the cognitive processes of expert and novice map users during the retrieval of map-related information, within varying difficulty levels (i.e., easy, moderate, hard), by using eye tracking and electroencephalogram (EEG). In this context, we present a spatial memory experiment consisting of a large number of stimuli to study the effect of task difficulty on map users’ behavior through cognitive load measurements. Next to the reaction time and success rate, we used fixation and saccade related eye tracking metrics (i.e., average fixation duration, the number of fixations per second, saccade amplitude and saccade velocity), and EEG power spectrum (i.e., event-related changes in alpha and theta frequency bands) to identify the cognitive load. While fixation metrics indicated no statistically significant difference between experts and novices, saccade metrics proved the otherwise. EEG power spectral density analysis, on the other side, suggested an increase in theta (i.e., event-related synchronization) and a decrease in alpha (except moderate tasks) (i.e., event-related desynchronization) at all difficulty levels of the task for both experts and novices, which is an indicator of cognitive load. Although no significant difference emerged between two groups, we found a significant difference in their overall performances when the participants were classified as good and relatively bad learners. Triangulating EEG results with the recorded eye tracking data and the qualitative analysis of focus maps indeed provided a detailed insight on the differences of the individuals’ cognitive processes during this spatial memory task.
Highlights
Cognitive processes emerge from both overt and covert attention, and attention is a fundamental cognitive function that controls all the other cognitive processes, such as perception, memory and learning
In the previous paper [6], we mostly focused on the experimental set-up of the user study presented in this paper, we present the results of the EEG analysis in detail with the aim of triangulating them with the recorded eye tracking data
To compare the cognitive load based on the task difficulty, we focused on theta, since a very small alpha effect was observed
Summary
Cognitive processes emerge from both overt (externally detectable) and covert attention (internally detectable), and attention is a fundamental cognitive function that controls all the other cognitive processes, such as perception, memory and learning. When people need to perform a spatial memory task, they tend to memorize the location, color, shape, and size of the objects (i.e., visual variables), together with their spatial relationships between each other [3] They adapt themselves to when, how, and in which order they select and focus on a map object of their interest. Fluctuations of attentional state are modulated by cognitive load in a sense that an increase in cognitive load involves increased attentional processing [4] In this context, map design and the level of complexity of maps might have an impact on cognitive load, and even influence how difficult a particular task can be
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
