A Networked Desktop Virtual Reality Setup for Decision Science and Navigation Experiments with Multiple Participants.

Area of Science:

• Decision Sciences
• Spatial Cognition
• Virtual Reality Research

Background:

• Investigating multi-participant interactions is complex across disciplines.
• Traditional methods limit experiments in spatial cognition and navigation.
• Virtual environments offer novel experimental possibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a networked desktop virtual reality setup for decision-making and navigation experiments.
• To enable efficient monitoring and data digitalization of multiple participants.
• To facilitate complex experimental designs not feasible in real-world settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a local area network and dedicated software platform.
• Immersing up to 36 participants simultaneously in a desktop virtual environment.
• Implementing strict protocols for controlled data collection within the laboratory.

Main Results:

• The described method allows for efficient monitoring and digitalization of participant behavior.
• The setup supports diverse experimental designs, including evacuation scenarios and search tasks.
• Virtual environments show sufficient correspondence with real-world behavior for social studies.

Conclusions:

• The Decision Science Laboratory (DeSciL) provides a robust platform for studying human behavior.
• This protocol can be adapted by other researchers to establish similar virtual reality laboratories.
• Networked virtual reality enhances the scope and feasibility of spatial cognition and decision-making research.