Eye-gaze strategies reveal cognitive variability in a real-world executive function task.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates individual differences in executive functioning during a real-world multitasking test, the hotel task, using eye-tracking data to identify distinct attentional strategies.

METHOD: Sixty-four young adults (Mage = 22.1, SD = 2.38) completed the hotel task while eye movements were recorded. Participants also completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version, an antisaccade task, and the Wiener Matrizen-Test 2. Eye-tracking data were analyzed using k-means clustering to identify strategic profiles, which were compared via the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Self-reported working memory deficits correlated with poorer planning (ρ = -.31, p = .035). Clustering revealed three distinct gaze-based profiles. A less time-monitoring group performed worse than two more vigilant groups, attempting fewer tasks, F(2, 61) = 6.13, p = .004, and achieving lower planning scores, F(2, 61) = 5.93, p = .004.

CONCLUSIONS

Eye-tracking identifies distinct strategic approaches to real-world multitasking that relate to performance but are not captured by traditional executive function tasks. Multitasking effectiveness appears supported by diverse strategies better characterized through integrated self-report, behavioral, and process-level data, offering a more nuanced understanding of executive function in ecologically valid settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).