Dynamics of the Eye and Head During an Element of Visual Search

Abstract
Measurements were made of the dynamics of the eye and head during an ‘element’ of visual search, defined as the coordinated sequence of movements beginning with the signal to refixate and ending with target discrimination and response. Independent variables wore target angle, 20 to 100 degrees, certainty in target location, target brightness, target information content, and alcohol stress. Dependent performance measures included reaction times of the eye and head, number of eye movements, maximum head velocity, time to acquire target, and response time, as well as qualitative descriptions of the movement patterns.