Abstract
Scene gist can be determined by a few visual aspects of the environment and with a quick exposure to a static image. Using a 40-block linear road within a 3D immersive virtual environment, we previously investigated whether and when individuals also detect changes in the gist of their surroundings during dynamic movement through an environment. Specifically, participants identified the locations of perceived changes in gist and rated the magnitude of those changes as they traveled down the road. Behavioral data showed individuals do detect changes in gist during navigation, so in the current experiment we expanded these findings using eye-tracking. Thus, the goal of the current study was to use eye-tracking in order to better understand exactly what observers were viewing at the time that they indicated a perceived change in 3D gist. Further, we investigated whether speed of movement also affected gist identification and gaze behavior. Participants (N = 32) navigated a linear road through a sequence of 40 blocks (100 meters each) at a speed of either 3 m/sec or 9 m/sec. From block to block, the buildings either stayed the same or changed in architectural style, size, or both. Using an Xbox controller, participants indicated when they experienced a change in gist and provided a verbal response to report the perceived magnitude of the change while the HTC Vive Pro Eye head-mounted display recorded their eye movements in the virtual environment. Our initial analysis of eye tracking data showed the distances at which participants looked were similar across the two speeds. Additionally, our ongoing analyses will examine gaze patterns and their potential relationship to the behavioral indications of changes in gist.