Introduction of the Utrecht Tasks for Attention in Toddlers Using Eye Tracking (UTATE): A Pilot Study.

Marjanneke De Jong,Ignace T C Hooge,Anneloes L Van Baar,Marjolein Verhoeven

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00669

Abstract

Attention capacities underlie everyday functioning from an early age onwards. Little is known about attentional processes at toddler age. A feasible assessment of attention capacities at toddler age is needed to allow further study of attention development. In this study, a test battery is piloted that consists of four tasks which intend to measure the attention systems orienting, alerting, and executive attention: the Utrecht Tasks of Attention in Toddlers using Eye tracking [UTATE]. The UTATE assesses looking behavior that may reflect visual attention capacities, by using eye-tracking methods. This UTATE was studied in 16 Dutch 18-month-old toddlers. Results showed that the instrument is feasible and generates good quality data. A first indication of sufficient reliability was found for most of the variables. It is concluded that the UTATE can be used in further studies. Further evaluation of the reliability and validity of the instrument in larger samples is worthwhile.

Highlights

Introduction of the Utrecht Tasks forAttention in Toddlers Using Eye Tracking (UTATE): A Pilot StudyMarjanneke de Jong 1*, Marjolein Verhoeven 1, Ignace T
Standardized and objective measurement tools of attention capacities in early childhood are scarce. In this pilot study we present a detailed description of a newly developed instrument to assess attention capacities in toddlers using eye-tracking methods: the Utrecht Tasks for Attention in Toddlers using Eye Tracking (UTATE)
As the quality of the data is dependent on the calibration of the eye-tracking device, specific challenges arise when eye tracking is used with young children

Summary

Introduction

Introduction of the Utrecht Tasks forAttention in Toddlers Using Eye Tracking (UTATE): A Pilot StudyMarjanneke de Jong 1*, Marjolein Verhoeven 1, Ignace T. Standardized and objective measurement tools of attention capacities in early childhood are scarce In this pilot study we present a detailed description of a newly developed instrument to assess attention capacities in toddlers using eye-tracking methods: the Utrecht Tasks for Attention in Toddlers using Eye Tracking (UTATE). Previous research often used human observers to assess attention capacities in young children (e.g., Rose et al, 2001, 2009) This method is very time consuming and might result in observer bias (Oakes, 2012). Eye-tracking methods have been used to measure attention capacities in infants by studying the development of selective attention or the ability to disengage and shift attention (Butcher et al, 2000; Hunnius et al, 2006; Amso and Johnson, 2008). Information is still scarce concerning the potential of eye-tracking methods to assess attention capacities in toddlers in particular

Methods

Results

Conclusion