A new approach to cognitive metrics: Analysing the visual mechanics of comprehension using eye-tracking data in student completion of high-stakes testing evaluation

Abstract

This chapter chronicles the use of eye-tracking methodology to develop a model of the mechanics of reading as students undertake comprehension tasks. This model has been developed from analysing the way that students undertake high-stakes testing in Australia. In phase 2 of the research, a model has been developed from a grounded theory approach by analysing the reading behaviours of students completing high-stakes comprehension tasks. In phase 3 of the research, the model will be validated with a large-scale study involving 200 year-7 students in Queensland schools. The research to date has developed a model of the mechanics of reading comprehension. The model is presented in the chapter. The model has added a set of macro-reading behaviours revealed during the development of the model to the micro-reading behaviours established by a decade of previous eye-tracking research into reading behaviour.