Cross-cultural analysis of eye-movement patterns in visual scene perception: a comparison of seven cultural samples

Abstract

This eye-tracking research investigates cross-cultural similarities and differences in visual attention in complex scenes free-viewing perception. The study utilizes 70 real-world photos with one or two focal objects as stimulus materials. The study examines the amount of time spent on focal objects, saccadic lengths, temporal changes in saccadic lengths and factors that influence these metrics. Data were collected between 2020 and 2022 from seven cultural samples in Africa, East Asia, Europe, and the Near East (N = 408). Contrary to initial hypotheses, the findings challenge the expected order of countries in terms of attention toward objects. Participants from Taiwan, assumed to exhibit holistic patterns, displayed the most holistic viewing pattern. Surprisingly, participants from Germany and Czechia did not significantly differ from those in Taiwan. Furthermore, participants from Ghana and Türkiye, expected to be moderate, showed the most analytic pattern. This challenges preconceived notions and contributes to understanding patterns of scene perception in underrepresented countries. Additional analyses explored the relationship between number and size of focal objects and dwell time, as well as the potential influence of sociodemographic variables, on dwell time.