Chapter 9. Using eye tracking to study digital writing processes

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of eye tracking combined with tools for capturing digital writing (foremost keystroke logging). This includes a general rationale for why eye tracking is relevant for research on writing processes, how the technique works, and pros and cons of different eye trackers and methodological designs. The chapter describes previous L1 and L2 writing studies which have used eye tracking to illustrate the type of questions that can be addressed by this technique. Finally, some methodological challenges are highlighted and best practices are suggested. It is emphasized that information of writers’ visual attention can enrich real-time writing studies, but that the researcher must pose research questions and opt for designs bearing in mind the advantages and limitations of the technique.