Eye-Tracking in Statistical Graphics Research: A Scoping Review

Quantitative data analysis increasingly relies on statistical graphics, necessitating a deeper understanding of their effectiveness. Eye-tracking is a valuable tool for exploring how users interact with these visualizations. However, despite several systematic reviews of the fields of statistical visualizations and the application of eye-tracking technology, a review specifically focusing on eye-tracking in statistical graphics research has been lacking. This article addresses this gap with a systematic PRISMA-based scoping review of 114 empirical studies, critically examining their methodologies, key findings, and implications. We conclude that while eye-tracking offers profound insights, improved methodological practices, including more robust experimental designs, appropriate statistical modeling, and broader participant sampling, are essential to unlock its full potential in advancing our understanding of statistical graphics.