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Zoom behavior during visual search modulates pupil diameter and reflects adaptive control states
Tad T Brunyé1, Trafton Drew2, Kathleen F Kerr3
1Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 9, 2023
Summary
Physician pupil diameter changes reflect cognitive states during complex visual search tasks. Tonic pupil dilation correlates with perceived image difficulty, while phasic changes signal shifts in visual exploration strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging Analysis
Background:
- Adaptive gain theory links cognitive control states (exploration/exploitation) to the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system.
- Pupil diameter dynamics (tonic and phasic) are proposed indicators of these control states.
- Digital whole slide image interpretation by pathologists is a critical, complex visual search task.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test adaptive gain theory predictions in the context of breast biopsy image interpretation.
- To investigate the relationship between pupil diameter dynamics and cognitive processes during visual search.
- To assess if tonic and phasic pupil diameter changes reflect perceived image difficulty and exploration/exploitation shifts.
Main Methods:
- Monitored visual search behavior and pupil diameter (tonic and phasic) in 89 pathologists interpreting digital breast biopsy images.
- Analyzed tonic pupil diameter in relation to image difficulty ratings, diagnostic accuracy, and experience.
- Segmented visual search data into zoom events and analyzed associated phasic pupil diameter changes.
Main Results:
- Tonic pupil diameter positively correlated with perceived image difficulty and zoom level.
- Phasic pupil diameter showed constriction during zoom-in events.
- Phasic pupil diameter exhibited dilation immediately preceding zoom-out events.
Conclusions:
- Pupil diameter dynamics serve as a measurable correlate of cognitive control states during complex visual search.
- Findings support adaptive gain theory and information gain theory in the context of medical image interpretation.
- Pupilometry offers a potential tool for monitoring and assessing physicians' diagnostic interpretive processes.
