Vision toolkit part 1. Neurophysiological foundations and experimental paradigms in eye-tracking research: a review

Abstract

Eye-tracking research offers valuable insights into human gaze behavior by examining the neurophysiological mechanisms that govern eye movements and their dynamic interactions with external stimuli. This review explores the foundational principles of oculomotor control, emphasizing the neural subsystems responsible for gaze stabilization and orientation. Although controlled laboratory studies have significantly advanced our understanding of these mechanisms, their ecological validity remains a critical limitation. However, the emergence of mobile eye tracking technologies has enabled research in naturalistic environments, uncovering the intricate interplay between gaze behavior and inputs from the head, trunk, and sensory systems. Furthermore, rapid technological advancements have broadened the application of eye-tracking across neuroscience, psychology, and related disciplines, resulting in methodological fragmentation that complicates the integration of findings across fields. In response to these challenges, this review underscores the distinctions between head-restrained and naturalistic conditions, emphasizing the importance of bridging neurophysiological insights with experimental paradigms. By addressing these complexities, this work seeks to elucidate the diverse methodologies employed for recording eye movements, providing critical guidance to mitigate potential pitfalls in the selection and design of experimental paradigms.

Keywords: experimental settings; eye-tracking; human gaze behavior; oculomotor control; review article.