Attention Dynamics in Programming: Eye Gaze Patterns of High- vs. Low-Ability Novice Coders

This paper investigates how the distribution of attention during problem-solving tasks can reveal cognitive processes in programmers of varying abilities, especially in program comprehension where the impact of abilities on the dynamic change of eye movement behavior over time is less understood. Through a quantitative analysis of eye gaze behavior, categorized into focused behavior (concentrating on a few positions) and overview behavior (scanning many positions), based on AoI sequences, the study analyzes data from 66 novice programmers tackling program comprehension tasks across selection and iteration constructs. The research aims to determine differences in attention allocation between high- and low-ability participants during programming problem-solving. Utilizing the TS-AOI method, findings show that high-ability participants maintain more focused attention and demonstrate shifts in attention from the early to the late phases of tasks, unlike their low-ability counterparts. These insights could guide strategies to support students in enhancing their programming comprehension skills.