Just follow my eyes: The influence of model-observer similarity on Eye Movement Modeling Examples

Abstract

We investigated to what extent the effectiveness of Eye Movement Modeling Examples (EMME) is influenced by social cues such as model-observer similarity. In an eye tracking experiment with university students (N = 119), EMME were used to display multimedia-processing strategies as expressed in the eye movements of an instructed model. The model was either introduced as a successful learner (competent model), as another participant (peer model) or no EMME were presented (control group). Results indicated that only learners with lower domain knowledge benefitted from EMME, but only when model-observer similarity was experienced as high (i.e., when receiving EMME with a ‘peer’ model). Mediation analysis identified prolonged picture processing as potential explanation. Our results imply that weaker learners can benefit from EMME if they perceive the model as a ‘peer’ learner. This supports the assumption that social cues such as alleged model competence can influence the effectiveness of EMME.