Delivering tactile stimuli via mobile browsers: A method for remote multisensory research

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Remote experimentation is crucial for behavioral science.
• Previous research confirmed accuracy of remote visual and auditory stimuli.
• Feasibility of remote tactile stimuli delivery via web browsers is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of delivering tactile stimuli through web browsers on Android smartphones.
• To replicate the redundant target effect (RTE) in an online setting using tactile stimuli.
• To evaluate the timing accuracy and precision of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli delivered via mobile browsers.

Main Methods:

• Replicated the redundant target effect (RTE) using a browser-based task on Android smartphones.
• Presented unimodal and multisensory stimuli (visual, auditory, tactile/vibration).
• Assessed timing accuracy and precision of stimuli presentation on mobile devices.

Main Results:

• The redundant target effect (RTE) was successfully replicated in an online sample.
• Visual and auditory stimuli showed minor, consistent delays.
• Tactile (vibration) stimuli exhibited greater delays, primarily due to smartphone motor ramp-up time.

Conclusions:

• Consumer mobile devices can be utilized for remote tactile and multisensory research in uncontrolled settings.
• Scalable, at-home user studies can incorporate haptic feedback without requiring dedicated applications.
• Benchmark timing data is provided to guide future remote research involving tactile perception.