Testing ideas about visual perception from real-world observations using behavioral and eye tracking measures

Abstract

The majority of scientific inquiry relies on deducing specific conclusions from general rules. However, when existing theories fail to fully account for a given observation, an abductive approach can allow for the formulation of new theories that can then be tested and gradually expanded to account for a wider range of similar observations. Here, we present an abductive approach using convergent behavioral and eye tracking measures to explain a real-world observation that grouping by color similarity facilitates observers in tracking the interactions between players on different sports teams.