GAZE-SHIFT DYNAMICS IN 2 KINDS OF SEQUENTIAL LOOKING TASKS

Gaze-shift dynamics of unrestrained seated subjects were examined. The subjects participated in two tasks, In the first task, they tapped se quences of 3-D targets located on a table in front of them, In the sec ond task, they only looked at similar sequences of targets. The purpos e of the task (tapping vs only looking) affected the dynamics of gaze- shifts. Gaze and eye-in-head peak velocities were higher and gaze-shif t durations were shorter during tapping than during looking-only. We c onclude that task variables affect gaze-shift dynamics, altering chara cteristics of the so-called saccadic ''main sequence'', (C) 1997 Elsev ier Science Ltd.