A modularity design approach to behavioral research with immersive virtual reality: A SkyrimVR-based behavioral...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Virtual Reality Research
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) offers potential for behavioral research but faces challenges integrating with traditional experimental systems.
• A gap exists between existing VR systems and the needs of behavioral researchers, hindering adoption.
• Developing accessible VR experimental tools is crucial for advancing behavioral science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a modular architectural framework for VR behavioral experiments.
• To develop a user-friendly VR experimental framework (SkyBXF) based on the Skyrim VR platform.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of the framework in a proof-of-concept study.

Main Methods:

• A five-module architectural framework was designed using a modularity strategy.
• The SkyrimVR-based behavioral experimental framework (SkyBXF) was developed, integrating a session-block-trial model.
• A modified behavioral study on visually-induced motion sickness was conducted within the SkyBXF framework.

Main Results:

• The developed SkyBXF module successfully integrated the classic experimental structure with Skyrim VR.
• The proof-of-concept study demonstrated the framework's feasibility and the SkyBXF module's viability.
• Acquired behavioral data aligned with previous research findings, validating the system's accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The proposed five-module framework and SkyBXF module effectively reduce complexity and cost in VR behavioral experiments.
• SkyBXF empowers researchers with limited programming or 3D expertise to rapidly create customized VR experimental environments.
• This framework facilitates wider adoption of VR in behavioral research by providing reusable resources and templates.