Spatio-Temporal Detection of Divided Attention in Reading Applications Using EEG and Eye Tracking

Abstract

Reading is central to learning and communicating, however, divided attention in the form of distraction may be present in learning environments, resulting in a limited understanding of the reading material. This paper presents a novel system that can spatio-temporally detect divided attention in users during two different reading applications: typical document reading and speed reading. Eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) monitor the user during reading and provide a classifier with data to decide the user's attention state. The multimodal data informs the system where the user was distracted spatially in the user interface and when the user was distracted. Classification was evaluated with two exploratory experiments. The first experiment was designed to divide the user's attention with a multitasking scenario. The second experiment was designed to divide the users attention by simulating a real-world scenario where the reader is interrupted by unpredictable audio distractions. Results from both experiments show that divided attention may be detected spatiotemporally well above chance on a single-trial basis.

Moment-to-Moment Continuous Attention Fluctuation Monitoring through Consumer-Grade EEG Device

“…For instance, the stable “in the zone” state in gradCPT was shown to be related to moderate DMN activity. On the other hand, CS researchers usually focused on different aspects of attention stimuli and defined attention within a specific context [ 11 , 89 , 90 ], e.g., the divided attention research in video learning [ 11 ] focused on only two stimuli of distraction—multitasking and environmental noise—and this potentially limits its generalization to other contexts. In our work, we distinguish attention states based on a RTV analysis in gradCPT, depending less on distractions or other environmental factors.…”

Can EEG-devices differentiate attention values between incorrect and correct solutions for problem-solving tasks?

“…Similarly, research concerning the association between divided attention and physiological parameters is rare. The only research work on investigating divided attention in correlation with EEG power bands was conducted by Rodrigue et al (2015). The study was aimed to determine the level of divided attention of users using the Emotiv EPOC device and concluded that the (black-box) algorithm implemented in this device was considered and deemed reliable.…”

Exploring Digital and Manual Modalities in Educational Activities for Children with ADHD

“…Such a system could be used to manage educational content based on the level of attention the child keeps with the instructional material. A more robust technology-based approach is proposed by [15] to detect divided attention in reading activities. While children were reading the environment was fueled with distractors in the format of multitasking instructions or environmental noise.…”