PCMA Seminar: Looking at the Past. The eye-tracking method in archaeological research

During the forthcoming “PCMA Seminar” Dr. Tomasz Michalik will present a talk entitled “Looking at the Past. The eye-tracking method in archaeological research”.

Abstract: “Sight is one of the most important human senses. It plays a key role in everyday life, but is also crucial in scientific work, e.g. during the analysis of archaeological data. Thanks to the development of psychological sciences and the creation of eye-tracking technology, it has become possible to measure visual attention and to detect what types of objects and areas are of interest to the viewer and which are not. Given the visual nature of archaeological data and artifacts, understanding visual selection processes is one of the most important aspects that can elucidate the ways in which knowledge about the past is produced and archaeological heritage is perceived by specialists and non-specialists.

This talk will present basic information about the eye-tracking method and visual attention, examples of research based on eye-tracking, and possibilities of applying this technology in archaeology. The presentation is part of a project carried out at the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw on the role of visual perception in the creation and acquisition of knowledge about the past by specialists and visitors to sites associated with archaeological heritage.”

Academic Biography of Dr. Tomasz Michalik.

The seminar will be held remotely on Thursday, September 16 at 11 a.m.