This Lecture Makes Me Sick: On Confounding Factors Influencing the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ).

Area of Science:

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Human Factors Research
• Psychometric Evaluation of Measurement Tools
• Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology

Background:

• The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) is widely used to measure discomfort in virtual reality (VR).
• However, SSQ interpretation faces challenges like subjective responses, strict military-based thresholds, and confounding variables.
• These limitations can impact the validity of VR research findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of non-VR experiences on SSQ scores.
• To evaluate the robustness of the SSQ when applied outside of typical VR scenarios.
• To highlight potential misinterpretations of SSQ data in VR research.

Main Methods:

• Three student cohorts completed the SSQ after a 90-minute lecture, with no VR exposure.
• SSQ scores were analyzed and compared to established thresholds and VR study data.
• Alternative SSQ scoring systems were also reviewed.

Main Results:

• SSQ scores from the lecture group were similar to those reported in VR studies.
• A significant majority (88.1%) exceeded the 'bad simulator' threshold, with 25.4% exceeding thrice this value.
• These results occurred despite the absence of any VR stimuli.

Conclusions:

• Caution is advised when interpreting SSQ results, especially in VR research.
• Non-VR factors, such as attending a lecture, can significantly elevate SSQ scores.
• Future research should consider potential confounding variables when using the SSQ to quantify sickness symptoms.