Egocentric Distance Perception: A Comparative Study Investigating Differences Between Real and Virtual Environments.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Sciences
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in behavioral sciences.
• Ecological validity in VR requires virtual stimuli to accurately mimic real-world perception.
• Accurate distance perception is crucial for the validity of VR-based behavioral research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on distance perception in virtual reality.
• To compare egocentric distance estimates between real and virtual environments.
• To investigate factors influencing distance perception in VR, such as immersion and eye height.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on virtual reality distance perception.
• Comparative study of verbal distance estimates in real and virtual outdoor environments.
• Utilized a head-mounted display for virtual environment presentation.
• Investigated distances ranging from 8 to 13 meters.

Main Results:

• No significant difference found in egocentric distance estimates between real and virtual environments.
• Order of environmental exposure (real vs. virtual) may influence distance estimation outcomes.
• Increased immersion in VR correlates with more aligned distance estimates with reality.
• Discrepancy in distance estimates increases with incongruence between virtual and actual eye heights.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality can provide ecologically valid distance perception for behavioral research.
• Accurate calibration of virtual eye height is critical for reliable distance judgments in VR.
• Immersion and environmental exposure order are key factors to consider in VR perception studies.