Looking with the (computer) mouse: How to unveil problem-solving strategies in matrix reasoning without eye-tracking

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Eye-tracking (ET) is a high-quality but costly method for studying visual reasoning strategies.
• Large-scale implementation of ET for cognitive tasks is challenging.
• A need exists for accessible, scalable methods to analyze problem-solving strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel graphical user interface (GUI) for matrix reasoning tasks.
• To investigate problem-solving strategies using computer mouse movement analysis.
• To compare mouse-tracking with traditional eye-tracking methods.

Main Methods:

• Developed a GUI for matrix reasoning tasks, integrating mouse movement tracking.
• Administered Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) within the interface.
• Analyzed mouse-based exploration indices to assess problem-solving strategies.
• Conducted pilot and two experimental studies to validate the methodology.

Main Results:

• The mouse-tracking interface showed no significant alteration of psychometric properties for APM items.
• Mouse-based exploration indices correlated with final performance, mirroring ET findings.
• Interface modifications influenced the adoption of more efficient problem-solving strategies in some participants.

Conclusions:

• Mouse movement analysis provides a viable, user-friendly alternative to eye-tracking for studying cognitive strategies.
• The developed GUI is relevant for accessing and manipulating problem-solving strategies in visual reasoning.
• This methodology offers a scalable and cost-effective approach for cognitive research.