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Updated: Dec 6, 2025
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Virtual Reality Experiments with Physiological Measures
Published on: August 29, 2018
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Using Biosignals for Objective Measurement of Presence in Virtual Reality Environments.
Summary
This study explored using biosignals to objectively measure virtual reality (VR) presence. Brainwave (EEG) and other physiological signals showed significant changes when VR presence factors were altered, indicating potential for objective VR assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Virtual Reality
Background:
- Presence, the feeling of being in a virtual environment, is crucial for VR system assessment.
- Current methods for measuring presence rely on subjective questionnaires and behavioral analysis, which have limitations.
- Objective measurement of presence is needed to improve VR systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the suitability of biosignals for an objective measure of presence in virtual reality (VR).
- To identify significant variations in biosignals when factors influencing presence are manipulated.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted on 20 users experiencing custom VR scenarios.
- Electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) signals were recorded.
- Mutual Information for feature selection and paired t-tests were used to analyze signal variations.
Main Results:
- Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in EEG signal power and coherence across alpha, beta, and gamma bands.
- Suppression of the realism factor significantly altered statistical features of the biosignals.
- Temporal region activity variations suggest potential insula activation related to presence.
Conclusions:
- Biosignals, particularly EEG, show promise for objectively measuring presence in VR.
- Physiological responses correlate with the manipulation of presence factors in VR environments.
- This approach could lead to more accurate and reliable VR system evaluations.
