Mind wandering (MW) is a ubiquitous phenomenon that has a negative influence on performance and productivity in many contexts. We propose that intelligent interfaces should have some mechanism to detect and respond to MW in real-time. Towards this end, we developed an interface that automatically detects MW from eye-gaze during computerized reading. When MW is detected, the interface intervenes by asking just-in-time questions and encouraging re-reading as needed. After multiple rounds of iterative refinement, we summatively compared the interface to a yoked control condition in a randomized control trial with 104 participants. Preliminary results suggest that the system was successful in correcting comprehension deficits attributed to MW, thereby highlighting the potential for intelligent interfaces that improve performance by "attending to attention."
["Sidney K. D'Mello", 'Kristopher Kopp', 'Robert Bixler', 'Nigel Bosch']
Attending to Attention: Detecting and Combating Mind Wandering during Computerized Reading