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An experimental analysis of discriminability and bias in eye-gaze judgment

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Abstract

Following signal detection theory, the gazing of a videotaped confederate was judged by 12 subjects under four combinations of distance from the monitor and picture brightness. Separate measures of discriminability and judgment criterion, or bias, were derived. Eye gaze discriminability declined with both distance and brightness. Overestimation of the amount of eye gaze increased with distance and declining brightness, supporting Stephenson and Rutter's hypothesis that increased difficulty in discrimination will produce such a guessing bias.

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Reference Notes

  • Jones, R.F. & Martin, W.W. A signal detection approach to gaze accuracy judgment. Paper presented at Capital Area Social Psychology Association meetings Feb., 1977.

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Additional information

Thanks to Maureen Mc Carry for serving as the gazer. This project was partially supported by the Boystown Center for the Study of Youth Development at Catholic University.

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Martin, W.W., Rovira, M.L. An experimental analysis of discriminability and bias in eye-gaze judgment. J Nonverbal Behav 5, 155–163 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986132

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