Eye Tracking Laboratory

The Shriver Center Eyetracking Laboratory is equipped with a head-mounted ISCAN Eyetracking System. The recording system makes use of miniature video cameras mounted on a lightweight plastic headband (total weight is about 7 ounces).

Because the head-mounted imaging systems move when the participant's head moves, the head does not have to be immobilized during operation. Eyetracking is therefore feasible for individuals with a broad range of developmental levels -- individuals who could not tolerate immobilization (i.e., using a bite bar), or who might perform behavioral tasks quite differently if required to hold the head still. Shown below is an individual wearing the headgear and performing a discrimination learning task presented on a computer touchscreen monitor.

The ISCAN produces a real-time video image showing the central portion of the participant's field of view, with a superimposed cursor at the point of regard. The images below show selected frames from the video output of the system. The touchscreen monitor is seen from the participant's perspective, as she performs a matching-to-sample task.

Observing left stimulus

Observing right stimulus

Observing left stimulus and responding

In the first frame, the white, circular cursor indicates that she is looking at the stimulus on the left. In the second frame, she has shifted her gaze to the stimulus on the right. In the third frame, she looks back to the stimulus on the left as she begins to respond to the touchscreen.