Does knowledge influence visual attention? A comparative analysis between archaeologists and naïve subjects during the exploration of Lower Palaeolithic tools

Abstract

The role of experience during the exploration of lithic artefacts can be been investigated through multiple approaches. Knowledge can influence visual perception of the environment, whilst action “affordances” can be processed at the first sight of an object. In this study, we used eye tracking to analyse whether and to what extent archaeological knowledge can influence visuospatial attention whilst interacting with stone tools. Archaeologists were found to pay more visual attention to the middle region and the knapped surface. Differences between the visual exploration of choppers and handaxes were also found. Although the general pattern of distribution of the visual attention was similar to naïve subjects, participants with archaeological experience paid more attention to functionally relevant regions. Individuals with archaeological experience directed more attention to the upper region and the knapped surface of the tools, whilst naïve participants spent more time viewing the middle region. We conclude that although both groups could direct their attention to action relevant features in stone tools, functional affordances had a greater effect in subjects with previous experience. Affordances related to manipulation triggered lower attention and showed no differences between participants.

Cognitive archaeology, and the psychological assessment of extinct minds

“…This suggests that top‐down mechanisms are much more effective than bottom‐up factors, even when looking at basic stone tools. These methods can be used to quantify behavioral and physiological responses associated with specific cognitive skills, or even to compare different groups, for example, naïve and expert subjects (Silva‐Gago, Fedato, et al., 2022). Another method that can be applied in this sense is psychometrics, which, through the application of tests and scoring performances, can be used to investigate specific abilities involved in evolutionary changes (Bruner et al., 2023).…”

Perceptions of Muslim Youth Followers of Gender Imitation Content about Transwoman; Behavior and Identity

“…Gender impersonation content is considered entertainment and also requires a set of knowledge and understanding in accessing it, so that it can truly be enjoyed as entertainment. Knowledge can influence visual perception of the environment, while action "ability" can be processed first (Silva-Gago et al, 2022 This study uses Husserl's qualitative phenomenological approach. This method is a way to understand an event by experiencing it consciously or intentionally (Hadi, Asrori, & Rusman, 2021), and depends on a person's perspective on an event (Hajaroh, 2018), which allows researchers to understand the structure of a person's experience (Wirihana et al, 2018).…”