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Effect of Subtitles on Gaze Behavior during Shot Changes: An Eye-tracking Study.
Jeril Joy1, Prakash Padakannaya1,2
1University of Mysore, Mysuru, 570006, India. University of Mysore India.
International Journal of Psychological Research
|December 18, 2023
Summary
Subtitles significantly alter gaze behavior during film viewing, especially around shot changes. Participants preferred reading subtitles over watching images, regardless of editing style.
Area of Science:
- Film Studies
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Subtitles are crucial for accessibility in film.
- Understanding subtitle impact on visual attention is key for optimizing viewer experience.
- Previous research has not fully explored subtitle effects across different editing styles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how subtitles influence gaze behavior in non-native English speakers watching films.
- To compare the effects of subtitles on gaze during continuity versus discontinuity editing.
- To determine viewer preference between visual content and subtitles.
Main Methods:
- Eye-tracking was used to record gaze behavior (entry time, dwell time, fixation duration, scan path).
- Participants viewed three types of video clips: continuity editing with/without subtitles, and discontinuity editing with/without subtitles.
- Data were analyzed using repeated measures two-way ANOVA and paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- Subtitles altered eye movement patterns, particularly during shot transitions.
- The timing of subtitle appearance relative to cuts influenced gaze behavior.
- Editing style did not significantly affect gaze behavior when subtitles were present.
- Participants showed a preference for reading subtitles over viewing images.
Conclusions:
- Subtitles redirect visual attention, impacting how viewers process cinematic content.
- Subtitle timing and presence are more influential than editing style on gaze.
- Viewer preference suggests subtitles play a dominant role in information intake during film consumption.
