The first article from Kevin John’s dissertation was just published in the Journal of Health Communication. In that article, Kevin articulates a framework for studying how visual images might impact visual skill (what he labels the visual skill acquisition model). He then demonstrates how the model can be used to guide eye tracking research designed to investigate lay ability to identify suspicious moles. This research has significant implications for skin cancer research and is a driving force behind HCAT’s current biophys research.

John, K. K., Jensen, J. D., King, A. J., Ratcliff, C. L., & Grossman, D. (2017). Do pattern-focused visuals improve skin self-examination performance? Explicating the visual skill acquisition model (VSAM). Journal of Health Communication, 22(9), 732-742.

You can read news coverage about this publication here:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/byu-wit091317.php