Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
07:09
Virtual Reality Experiments with Physiological Measures
Published on: August 29, 2018
Psychological influences on distance estimation in a virtual reality environment
Kohske Takahashi1, Tobias Meilinger, Katsumi Watanabe
1Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|September 26, 2013
Summary
Object orientation in virtual environments affects perceived distance. Abstract cones facing observers were perceived as closer, influencing spatial perception and avoidance behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Virtual Reality Research
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Embodied perception research indicates social, psychological, and physiological factors influence space perception.
- Previous studies often used realistic stimuli, leaving the impact of abstract stimuli less explored.
- Virtual environments offer a controlled setting to investigate nuanced aspects of perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if abstract geometric object orientation influences distance perception in a non-realistic virtual environment.
- To investigate the relationship between object orientation, perceived distance, subjective impressions, and avoidance behaviors.
- To explore the role of personal space violation in modulating perceived distance.
Main Methods:
- Participants viewed virtual cones in an invisible cube using a head-mounted display, with head movements recorded.
- Cones were oriented towards the observer, away from the observer, or randomly.
- Participants estimated cone distance and rated their friendliness; distance perception was also tested using a 3D projection.
Main Results:
- Cones facing the observer were perceived as closer than randomly oriented or facing-away cones at a 1.6m viewing distance.
- Observers exhibited greater head-away movement and rated facing cones as less friendly, irrespective of viewing distance.
- Similar distance perception effects were observed with a 3D projection, despite greater viewing distances.
Conclusions:
- Non-physical factors, such as object orientation, significantly influence distance perception even with abstract stimuli in virtual environments.
- Perceived distance modulation by object orientation is linked to subjective impressions (friendliness) and motor responses (avoidance).
- The findings suggest that facing objects may be perceived as socially discomforting or threatening, potentially violating personal space and altering distance perception.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
Proximity plays a fundamental role in shaping interpersonal attraction by increasing opportunities for interaction and fostering familiarity. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals are more likely to form social bonds with those who are physically closer to them, whether in residential settings, workplaces, or educational institutions. This effect is largely driven by the increased frequency of encounters, which facilitates the development of friendships and romantic...
01:15Depth Perception and Spatial Vision
Depth perception is the ability to perceive objects three-dimensionally. It relies on two types of cues: binocular and monocular. Binocular cues depend on the combination of images from both eyes and how the eyes work together. Since the eyes are in slightly different positions, each eye captures a slightly different image. This disparity between images, known as binocular disparity, helps the brain interpret depth. When the brain compares these images, it determines the distance to an object.
01:26Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling
During leveling, the Earth's curvature and atmospheric refraction introduce deviations in the line of sight from a true horizontal reference. When the line of sight is leveled, it remains perpendicular to the plumb line only at a single point. Beyond this, it deviates due to the Earth’s curvature, represented by the correction C. For a sight distance D, the deviation can be derived using the relationship:This relationship shows that the deviation increases quadratically with distance. Over a...