Estimation of Effort in Calculation Tasks Using Blink Count

Abstract

In this study, experiments were carried out with high school and university students to determine whether drowsiness and concentration can be quantified by counting participants’ blinks during the calculation tasks. Physiological and behavioral indicators like blink count, questionnaire results, and the results of calculation tasks, were used to investigate the correlations between them. For university students, the results showed a positive correlation (r = 0.62) between the variance of blink count and the number of responses to the calculation task and a negative correlation (r = −0.30) between the number of responses and drowsiness. For high school students, a negative correlation (r = −0.47) was found between the average blink count during the task and levels of anxiety. Anxiety levels also showed a negative correlation (r = −0.47) with accuracy. These findings indicate that blink count is a useful indicator for effort level and suggest further links between eye movement, concentration, and psychological state.