Examining the Visual Attention Patterns and Identification Accuracy of Adults With Aphasia for Grids and Visual Scene Displays

Purpose: We compared the degree of cognitive processing needed by people with aphasia to identify themes depicted in grids and visual scene displays (VSDs). We also compared the accuracy of theme identification for both display types. Method: Eye-tracking technology was employed to measure the visual processing patterns of 21 adults with aphasia when interpreting themes presented through grids and VSDs. Additionally, we assessed theme identification accuracy by having participants select themes from four choices after viewing each display. Results: Participants more rapidly identified VSDs than grid displays, and VSDs required fewer visual fixations to process than grids. No significant differences were noted between grids and VSDs for theme identification accuracy; however, results indicate a ceiling effect for the variable, as participant accuracy levels were nearly 100% for both display conditions. Conclusions: Results from this study add to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of VSDs for adults with aphasia. Both display types were accurately identified; however, VSDs were processed more efficiently than grids indicating that both display types may prove effective for people with aphasia; however, VSDs may require less cognitive effort to effectively use than grid displays.