A probability vector and transition matrix analysis of eye movements during visual search.

This report describes a new method for analysing eye movement records during free viewing. The proposed new measures originate from a categorisation of saccade directions. The proportion of each categorised direction and the transition matrix of each two successive categorised directions are then calculated. These new measures are proposed as objective indicators of the strategies employed by an observer engaged in a visual search task. It is concluded that the probability vector and transition matrix analysis are particularly suitable as measures of observer strategies in relation to performance on VDU-based tasks. The relation between these measures and other measures related to search efficiency are also discussed.