Abstract

In this review, we present the case for using computer mouse-tracking techniques to examine psychological processes that support (and hinder) self-regulation of eating. We first argue that computer mouse-tracking is suitable for studying the simultaneous engagement of—and dynamic interactions between—multiple perceptual and cognitive processes as they unfold and interact over a fine temporal scale (i.e., hundreds of milliseconds). Next, we review recent work that implemented mouse-tracking techniques by measuring mouse movements as participants chose between various food items (of varying nutritional content). Lastly, we propose next steps for future investigations to link behavioral features from mouse-tracking paradigms, corresponding neural correlates, and downstream eating behaviors.

Highlights

  • Reviewed by: Melanie Hingle, University of Arizona, United States Claudio Esteban Perez-Leighton, Pontificia Universidad Católica de

  • We present the case for using computer mouse-tracking techniques to examine psychological processes that support self-regulation of eating

  • We first argue that computer mouse-tracking is suitable for studying the simultaneous engagement of—and dynamic interactions between—multiple perceptual and cognitive processes as they unfold and interact over a fine temporal scale

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Summary

Frontiers in Nutrition

The mouse-tracking paradigm breaks down a single choice into a continuous stream of cognitive output, revealing how tentative commitments to multiple potential responses coalesce into a single response over time [for review, [7, 13, 14]] In these ways, the mouse-tracking technique is especially sensitive to the partial influences of multiple competing goals and biases that inevitably guide perceptual judgments and decisions. Naïve participants typically believe salad to be far healthier than pizza, modern techniques of preparing these foods may dramatically reduce the healthiness of the salad, to the point where it may be equivalent— as far as fat and/or overall caloric content—with pizza While this is ideal for investigating underlying self-regulatory processes, it is important to note this will sometimes limit the direct applicability of this research to real-world decisions.

Conflict in Eating Choices
Temporal Dynamics of Attribute Integration
Nature of Decision Evolution
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
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