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Comparing Eye-Tracking and Verbal Reports in L2 Reading Process Research: Three Qualitative Studies
Chengsong Yang1, Guangwei Hu2, Keyu Que3
1School of Foreign Studies, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
Journal of Eye Movement Research
|January 21, 2026
Summary
This study compares eye-tracking and verbal reports for L2 reading research. Eye-tracking offers precise visual data, while verbal reports reveal cognitive processes, each with unique strengths and limitations.
Area of Science:
- Second Language Acquisition Research
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Technology
Background:
- Understanding second language (L2) reading processes is crucial for effective pedagogy.
- Existing research methods, like eye-tracking and verbal reports, offer different insights but have limitations.
- Methodological choices significantly impact the interpretation of L2 reading behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of eye-tracking and verbal reports (think-alouds, retrospective verbal reports) in L2 reading process research.
- To identify the specific strengths and limitations of each method in capturing reading strategies.
- To guide researchers in selecting appropriate methodologies for their L2 reading studies.
Main Methods:
- Three qualitative studies were conducted to investigate L2 reading processes.
- Eye-tracking technology was used to collect quantitative data on visual attention and reading patterns.
- Verbal reports (think-alouds and retrospective verbal reports) were employed to gather qualitative data on cognitive processes and strategy use.
Main Results:
- Eye-tracking provided precise quantitative data on visual attention (e.g., fixation duration, gaze plots), identifying specific reading strategies like skimming and scanning.
- Verbal reports offered direct insights into cognitive processes, strategy use, and content-specific thoughts, complementing eye-tracking data.
- Both methods demonstrated reactivity: eye-tracking could alter behavior, and verbal reports could disrupt the reading flow or enhance reflection.
Conclusions:
- Eye-tracking and verbal reports have complementary strengths and limitations in L2 reading research.
- Eye-tracking excels at capturing overt reading behaviors and visual attention patterns.
- Verbal reports are valuable for accessing covert cognitive processes and subjective experiences during reading.
- Informed selection and integration of these methods enhance the validity and depth of L2 reading research.
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