Setting Our Sights on Vision: A Rationale and Research Agenda for Integrating Eye-Tracking into Leisure Research

Abstract

Predictive models of leisure behavior typically rely on measuring internal drivers of behavior (e.g., attitudes, beliefs); however, there are an array of external forces (e.g., culture, context) that increase the predictive capacity of behavioral models. External forces can have a directly observable influence on behavior, but can also influence a person’s perceptions, judgements, and decisions without their awareness. This manuscript showcases a methodology called “eye-tracking” that can evaluate what a person sees or does not see. First, a theoretical rationale for the inclusion of eye-tracking methods into leisure research is presented, followed by a tripartite research agenda that details how eye-tracking can and should be used to evaluate, triangulate, and formulate research findings for understanding the internal-external dynamics of leisure behavior. A suite of potential research questions and outcomes are outlined to stimulate eye-tracking research in the context of leisure behavior.

Keywords:

• External factors
• implicit
• leisure behavior
• research methods
• visual attention

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Dr. Robert D. Bixler for his mentorship and his insight that culminated into my desire to pursue the application of eye-tracking in my research and ultimately served as the premise of this manuscript.