Visual Scanning Experiment

Title

Visual Scanning Experiment: An Investigation of

Gender Differences and Practice Effects

Abstract

Visual scanning for is a fundamental cognitive process which influences how we navigate
complex environment, recognise objects and even make decisions. Research into visual
scanning has implications for understanding cognitive processes like attention and memory.
This within-subject experiment examined gender differences in visual scanning accuracy,
response time, and retention, as well as the impact of practice on performance. The study
aimed to investigate whether gender and practice influence visual scanning skills, essential
for tasks like problem-solving and decision-making. Twenty randomly chosen undergraduate
psychology students (15 females, 6 males) participated in this experiment as each individual
attempted recalling the sequences in which the boxes were lit. In contrast to suppositions, no
significant gender differences were found in accuracy between males and females, contrary
to the initial hypothesis. Practice did not significantly improve performance for either gender
in terms of accuracy, retention, or response timing. The findings suggest that gender may
not play a significant role in visual scanning performance, and practice may not be sufficient
to improve performance. The results contribute to our understanding of visual memory and
attention, highlighting the need for further research into cognitive processes underlying
visual scanning.

Introduction

Visual related to sight or the ability to see, pertains to anything connected with vision, the
faculty by which the visual information is perceived through the eyes and processed by the
brain.(Merriam-Webster dictionary,n.d). Scanning is the act of examining something closely,
usually in a systematic manner. A visual context involve moving one's eyes quickly across a
surface or through an environment to identify key elements on gathering information (Oxford
University Press,n.d).
Visual scanning experiment is the process by which an individual actively moves their eyes
to locate and identify object or information with their visual field, this process involves both
saccadic movement (quick jumps of the eyes from one point to another) and fixation (pause
over a particular area to gather detalied information).
Visual scanning experiment involves various visual tasks designed to assess how individual
process visual information, some common visual tasks used include; letter search task,
symbol search task, visual search paradigm, pattern recognition task, spatial orientation task
and complex sense perception. Spatial Processing:
Spatial processing is a critical aspect of visual scanning, and research has shown that
individuals with better spatial abilities perform better in visual search tasks (Lippa et al.,
2010)For this experimental report, visual search paradigm was used. Specifically the feature
explores the gender differences in visual scanning experiment, these have been done by
various researchers before now for various studies like speed and efficiency by Pletzer et
al(2011) and Voyer et al(1995),strategy and approach by Reilly and Neumann (2013) and
Quinn and Spencer (2001) among many others. As understanding how gender influence
visual scanning abilities contribute to our understanding of gender differences and people
abilities to properly scan and processes information which is very necessary in clinical
application, reading, language processing, attention and perception,understanding these
differences can inform strategies for improving visual scanning accuracy in various contexts.

Aims and Objectives of Visual scanning experiment

Aims
To measure the improvement in visual scanning accuracy for both genders after a period of
practice.

Objective
1.To determine whether sex has an impact on the performance of participants
2. To evaluate the effect of practice on improving visual scanning ability for both genders

Research Questions

1. Who will perform better in the memory span in males or females

2. ⁠will there be a significant difference in the block span score between males and females

Hypothesis

1. Female participants will perform better in memory span compared to male participants
2. There will be a significant difference in the block span score between males and females

Operational Definition

Visual Scanning: The process by which participants search for a target among distractors,
measured by search time and accuracy . Visual scanning is the ability to efficiently, quickly,
and actively look for information relevant to your environment.

Target Complexity: The level of detail of the target , categorized as simple (e.g., a red circle)
or complex (e.g., a specific geometric shape).

Distractors: Non-target elements present in the visual field that may interfere with the
identification of the target.
Task Difficulty: The level of challenge in the visual scan task, manipulated by the number of
distractors and the similarity between targets and non-targets

ACCURACY: Accuracy is the quality or state of being precise or correct

SEX : the two main category into which humans and most organisms are divided based on
their reproductive functions

PARTICIPANTS: this refers to as individuals or independent variables that take part in the
experiment

RESEARCH DESIGN: Research design refers to the procedure or scheme that shows how
a research would be carried out

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE: sample techniques are methods that are used to select a sub
group of variables or items from a larger group for research purposes or analysis

CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT: This is an experiment in which variables are manipulated

and carried out in a controlled setting

RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS : this are the tools used In carrying out a research

Problem Statement

Visual scanning tasks often involve identifying specific targets within complex displays. While
color coding is a common method used to enhance target recognition, its effectiveness in
different display complexities has not been thoroughly examined. This experiment seeks to
determine how color coding affects visual scanning accuracy and speed in displays of
varying complexity.

Literature Review

Visual scanning is a fundamental cognitive process that enables us to search for, detect, and
recognize visual stimuli in our environment (Wolfe, 1998). It involves the coordination of
attention, eye movements, and cognitive processing to selectively focus on relevant
information (Moran & Desimone, 1985)
Research has consistently shown gender differences in visual scanning accuracy, with men
generally performing better than women in tasks that require attention to detail and spatial
processing (Voyer et al., 2017). For example, a study using a visual search task found that
men outperformed women in accuracy and speed (Lippa et al., 2010). However, women
excel in global processing tasks, which require attention to context and overall features
(Voyer et al., 2017).
Visual scanning is closely linked to attention and eye movements. Studies have shown that
attentional resources are allocated to the most relevant locations in a visual scene (Yantis,
1992), and eye movements are guided by attentional priorities (Hallett, 1978). Research
using eye-tracking techniques has found that individuals with better visual scanning
accuracy exhibit more efficient eye movement patterns (Nuthmann et al., 2010).
Spatial Processing:
Spatial processing is a critical aspect of visual scanning, and research has shown that
individuals with better spatial abilities perform better in visual search tasks (Lippa et al.,
2010). A study using a visual search task with targets of varying sizes found that men
detected smaller targets more accurately than women (Pierce et al., 2015).
Motion detection is another essential aspect of visual scanning, particularly in dynamic
environments. Research has found that women have an advantage in motion detection tasks
(Betz et al., 2016). A study using a motion detection task found that women detected moving
targets more accurately than men (Betz et al., 2016).
Men also demonstrate superior attention to detail, which enhances their visual scanning
accuracy (Voyer et al., 2017). Research using a visual search task with targets of varying
sizes found that men detected smaller targets more accurately than women (Pierce et al.,
2015).
In contrast, women excel in global processing tasks, which require attention to context and
overall features (Voyer et al., 2017). A study using a visual search task with complex stimuli
found that women performed better than men when the target was presented in a cluttered
environment (Pierce et al., 2015).
in conclusion visual scanning is a complex cognitive process that involves attention, eye
movements, spatial processing, and motion detection. Gender differences in visual scanning
accuracy are influenced by spatial processing, attention to detail, global processing, and
motion detection abilities. Understanding these differences can inform strategies for
improving visual scanning accuracy in various contexts

Methodology

Location: faculty of social science,department of psychology laboratory, university of Lagos,

Akoka.

RESEARCH DESIGN:
Experimental research design: this study adopted an experimental research design which is
an approach that involves manipulating variables, using two sets of variables. One set acts
as a constant to measure differences in other sets (within subject design).

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:
scan sampling technique: this technique involves observing each participant in a group for a
brief period of time, allowing the collection of data on the time distribution of the behavioral
states and synchrony within the group. It is used to collect data on group behavior but it has
inherent biases that need to be considered when analyzing the results and comparing to
other sampling methods.

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS:
This research consisted of 21 participants (15 females and6 males) of department of
psychology University of Lagos, 100 level under group 2 batch B of practical psychology
(psy123) laboratory class.
RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS:
-A computer to complete the visual scanning task
-A mouse
-A keyboard
-Pen
-Recording sheet ( to record the scores of both male and female participants)
-A laptop with SPSS version 27 to compute the data with the SPSS software for analysis.

PROCEDURES:
Experiment was carried out in the department of psychology laboratory in the faculty of
social sciences in the university of Lagos. The participants (21) of group B batch2 were
given instructions by an expert on the visual scanning experiment. The group representative
was provided with a recording sheet and pen to record the scores of each participant after
they complete the visual scanning task as they take turns, they are provided with a computer
displaying the visual scanning task (an eye-tracking data in a blue box form using metrics
such as fixation, duration, saccade amplitude,and scan path patterns( blue box displayed on
the screen in a pattern) to study the visual scanning strategies used by the participants in
accuracy, response time, and retention. The participants were provided with two total
trials,the scan path patterns,blue box patterns(block tapping tests) presented in a small set
at the rate of 2 seconds approximately for the participants to track the patterns and recall by
clicking the selected patterns after the participant recalls the patterns selected in the correct
order, the set of patterns increases for the next round of trials and it continues increasing
until the participants makes an error. After the completion of the task, the group
representative will record the block span in which the participants were able to recall
correctly, that will be the result of the participant’s visual scanning task.the same process is
repeated for every participant.

DATA ANALYSIS:
The visual scanning experiment is used to measure the block span and memory span of
participants using the SPSS software. An independent t-test was conducted to compare the
means between male and female for accuracy,response time and retention for their block
span to examine if gender differences will be found in accuracy between male and female
.An independent t-test was also conducted to compare the means between male and
females on how practice has effects on both genders in terms of accuracy,retention,and
response timing in their memory span.

Results

……Diagram…..
Hypothesis 1
Female participants will perform better in memory span compared to male participants.

An Independent Samples Test was organized to ascertain whether female participants will
be more accurate than male participants in visual scanning experiment. The test unveiled
that there was no significant contrast in accuracy between the sexes. The males garnered
the following scores; (Mean-5.33, S.D- 0.516) while the females had; (Mean- 5.20, S.D-
0.862). The males obtained an insignificant higher score than females after comparison of
scores. Hence, the hypothesis which asserts that “Female participants will perform better in
memory span compared to male participants” was rejected.

……Diagram……
Hypothesis 2
There will be a significant difference in the block span score between males and females

Discussion

Discussion of visual scanning experiment

The experiment aims to determine gender difference in accuracy during visual scanning
tasks and to evaluate the effect of practice on improving visual scanning skills for both
gender and the objectives of the experiment is to compare the accuracy of male and female
participants.
The participants consists of 21participants(15females and 6males) of the students of
university of Lagos,100level, batch B group 2 of practical psychology class
An independence T-test was conducted to examine if "female participant will perform better
in memory span compared to male participant". In the result, no significance difference was
revealed (Pvalue -.218). In the score for female (mean -8.300, S.D -2.2583) AND in the
score for male (mean -8.917, S.D -1.7440). This indicate that male participants performs
better than female participants. At such we refute the hypothesis which states that "Female
participants will perform better in memory span compared to male participants". According
(Voyer et Al., 2017) who backed up my experiment by saying research has consistently
shown gender differences in visual scanning accuracy with men generally performing better
than women in tasks that require attention to detail and spatial processing. For example, a
study using a visual search task found that men outperformed women in accuracy and
speed (Lippa et al., 2010)
An independence T-test was also conducted to examine if There will be a significant
difference in the block span score between males and females. In the result, it shows that no
significance difference was revealed (Pvalue -.905, F(19, 15.485). At such, the hypothesis
which states "There will be a significant difference in the block span score between males
and females" was rejected.
The lack of signifcant differences in memory span and block span between males and
females suggest that practice may not have a differential impact on improving visual
scanning skills for men and women.

Conclusion

The visual scanning experiment aimed to investigate gender differences in accuracy and
the effect of practice on improving visual scanning skills. Contrary to the initial hypothesis,
the results revealed that male participants responded more accurately than female
participants, with no significant difference in accuracy between the two genders. This finding
supports previous research (Voyer et al., 2017; Lippa et al., 2010) that suggests men
generally perform better than women in tasks requiring attention to detail and spatial
processing.

The experiment examined the impact of practice on improving visual scanning skills for both
genders. However, the results showed no significant improvement in accuracy for either
gender with practice. This suggests that practice may not have a differential impact on
improving visual scanning skills for men and women.

The findings of this study have implications for understanding gender differences in visual
processing and the effectiveness of practice in improving visual scanning skills. Further
research can build upon these results to explore other factors that may influence visual
scanning accuracy and the development of strategies to improve visual processing skills for
both genders.
Nonetheless, this study contributes to the existing literature on gender differences in visual
processing and highlights the importance of considering individual differences in visual
scanning abilities.

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