Identifying Lines and Interpreting Vertical Jumps in Eye Tracking Studies of Reading Text and Code

Eye tracking studies have shown that reading code, in contradistinction to text, includes many vertical jumps. As different lines of code may quite functions (e.g., variable definition, flow control, or computation), it is important accurately identify the being read. We design experiments require a specific line text be scrutinized. Using distribution gazes around this line, we then calculate how precision with which can read depends on font size and spacing. The results indicate that, even after correcting for systematic bias, unnaturally large fonts spacing required reliable identification. Interestingly, during experiments, participants also repeatedly re-checked their task if they were looking at correct leading jumps similar those observed when code. This suggests patterns “inefficient,” sense feel need repeat actions beyond minimal number apparently task. implications regarding interpretation patterns. In particular, does not reflect only extraction information from Rather, other types activities, such as getting general orientation, searching locations context performing particular