Exploring Visual Maturity: A First Look at Eye Behavior in Train Traffic Control
Carl-Anton Werner Axelsson 1 and Anders A. Jansson 2
The present study investigated differences in visual expertise across levels of proficiency in train traffic control during a simulated scenario. Eye tracking metrics reported in a meta-analysis study on visual expertise were used as a theoretical base. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the same results found in the meta-study could be obtained in the less predictable and dynamic work environment of train traffic control. Results of the study indicate that eye behavior seemed to correlate with years of experience also in a more naturalistic setting, but it did not correlate with expert ranking by instructors or a post-hoc measure of proactivity in task performance. A discussion is provided in which a delineation of experience and expertise is postulated considering the differences between eye movement behavior and cognitive aspects of problem-solving.