A new approach to cognitive metrics : analysing the mechanics of comprehension using eye tracking data in student completion of high stakes testing evaluation

This paper chronicles the use of eye tracking methodology to develop a model of the mechanics of reading as students undertake comprehension tasks. This model has been developed from analysing the way that students undertake high stakes testing in Australia. In phase 2 of the research, a model has been developed from a grounded theory approach by analysing the reading behaviours of students completing high stakes comprehension tasks. In phase 3 of the research the model will be validated with a large scale study involving 200 year 7 students in Queensland schools. The research to date has developed a model of the mechanics of reading comprehension. The model is presented in the chapter. The model has added a set of macro reading behaviours revealed during the development of the model to the micro reading behaviours established by a decade of previous eye tracking research into reading behaviour.