Stuck at the starting line: How the starting procedure influences mouse-tracking data

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychological Methods

Background:

• Mouse-tracking is a valuable tool for understanding cognitive processes.
• Methodological variations in mouse-tracking studies can influence results.
• The impact of different starting conditions on mouse-tracking measures is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of static versus dynamic starting conditions on mouse-tracking measures.
• To compare cognitive process leakage under different starting conditions.
• To provide guidance on optimal mouse-tracking methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of data from a dynamic starting condition study with a new static starting condition study.
• Utilized a Simon task with identical setups apart from the starting condition.
• Analyzed response time (RT) and both discrete and continuous mouse-tracking measures.

Main Results:

• Both static and dynamic starting conditions reliably showed Simon effects and Congruency Sequence effects on RT and discrete measures.
• Continuous within-trial mouse-tracking measures were weaker and temporally compressed in the static condition.
• Movement consistency was lower in the static condition compared to the dynamic condition.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic starting conditions are recommended for studies utilizing continuous mouse-tracking measures.
• Dynamic starting procedures enhance the reflection of cognitive processing in mouse movements.
• Methodological choices significantly impact the sensitivity of mouse-tracking measures for cognitive research.