The influence of the arrangement of different food images on participants’ attention: An experimental eye-tracking study

This 2017 study investigated the effect of different food stimuli on people’s visual attention to food. A mobile eye tracking device was used to monitor visual attention while looking at various food pictures varying in calorie content. Attention was specifically measured by analyzing the fixation duration, fixation counts, and visit counts. The results demonstrated a higher level of visual attention towards cut up, ready-to-eat low-calorie foods when compared with both savory and sweet high-calorie foods. Men were found to pay more attention to high-calorie food items, while women focused on low-calorie foods more. It appeared that people’s attention varies depending on the type of food stimuli presented. The attention of men and women tend to be drawn to different types of food stimuli. These results may have implications for food marketing and healthcare promotion campaigns. [NPID: behavior, food stimuli, food cues, visual attention, calorie content, diet, nutrition]

Year: 2017

Reference: Hummel, G., Schnepf, I., Ehret, J., & Salazar, Winter, S. & Stroebele-Benschop, N. (2017). The influence of the arrangement of different food images on participants’ attention: An experimental eye-tracking study. Food Quality and Preference. 62. 10.1016/j.foodqual.2017.07.003.