Gender Differences in Mouse and Cursor Movements

Abstract

Computer cursor and mouse activities such as moving, pointing, selecting, and dragging are essential parts of everyday interactions. Yet it is unknown how men and women differ in the way they move computer cursors. This study examines gender differences in movements of computer cursors. In one experiment, the authors measured trajectories of computer cursors every 20 ms in a simple choice-reaching task and tested the extent to which movement features related to controlling and targeting diverge between male and female participants. Results showed significant gender differences in cursor motions. Female participants deviated from the straight path toward the target location to a larger degree than did male participants, and female participants showed more backward motions (deviating backward from the target location) than did male participants. Implications for sources of these gender differences, user interface and input device design, and musculoskeletal disorders in women are also discussed.

Notes

¹ The entire data set and programs used for this study are available at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hdglcwwuv999vky/AAC7vCf7C4-oP5tugXfO2HCwa?dl=0

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Takashi Yamauchi

Takashi Yamauchi, PhD, is an associate professor at Texas A&M University. His research addresses a wide range of issues in cognitive science and human–computer interaction including affective computing, brain–computer interface, and knowledge representation and decision making.

Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo

Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, PhD, is an interactive artist/researcher at Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on tangible and kinetic aesthetics of human experience. She integrates physical and digital experiences through soft materials and interactive technologies. Her primary aim is to engage diverse audiences by developing interactive designs in education and healthcare.

Noel Jett

Noel Jett is a PhD candidate at the University of North Texas studying educational psychology. Her research interests concern the social and emotional needs of profoundly gifted students, particularly in relation to addiction, mental illness, and therapy.

Greg Parks

Greg Parks has a bachelor’s degree of science in psychology and sociology with a minor in history from Texas A&M University. His research interests include perception, cognitive processing, consciousness, race and labor relationships, and economic paradigms throughout history.

Casady Bowman

Casady Bowman is a PhD student and received her master’s degree in cognitive psychology from Texas A&M University. Her research interests include emotion perception in music and speech, sound processing, and acoustic components of sound. She is conducting psychophysical experiments regarding adaptation of vocal and musical sounds.