Introduction: The quiet eye (final fixation to a specific target prior to movement initiation) is a perceptual skill robustly associated with expertise and superior performance. The benefit of the phenomenon has been demonstrated in a range of sporting tasks. The mechanism(s) underpinning this phenomenon are much-debated and are associated with varying assumptions.
Objective: This systematic review categorizes previous quiet eye research based on Newell's 1986 model of interacting constraints.
Data sources: Three electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed) were searched from inception until February 2015. Details of relevant studies were also obtained from one literature review and two book chapters.
Eligibility criteria and synthesis methods: To frame the discussion of research evidence concerning the quiet eye, previous studies were evaluated based on a classification of manipulating performer, environment, and task constraints. Additionally, associative studies (without specific constraints), and interacting constraints (affecting more than one constraint) were considered.
Results: This review emphasizes that the quiet eye is beneficial for performing aiming tasks and that Newell's constraints model provides a useful framework for organizing knowledge in this area.
Conclusion: Despite the robust research on the value of the quiet eye, several gaps in current knowledge exist regarding the mechanism of the quiet eye effect.