Exploratory study on the use of HMD virtual reality to investigate individual differences in visual processing styles
Journal of Enabling Technologies
ISSN: 2398-6263
Article publication date: 14 February 2022
Issue publication date: 2 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Global and local processing is part of human perceptual organisation, where global processing helps extract the “gist” of the visual information and local processing helps perceive the details. Individual differences in these two types of visual processing have been found in autism and ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Virtual reality (VR) has become a more available method of research in the last few decades. No previous research has investigated perceptual differences using this technology.
Design/methodology/approach
The objective of the research is to threefold: (1) identify if there is association between ADHD and autistic traits and the performance on the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF) task, (2) investigate practical effects of using VR drawing tools for research on perceptual experiences and (3) explore any perceptual differences brought out by the three-dimensional nature of the VR. The standard ROCF test was used as a baseline task to investigate the practical utility of using VR as an experimental platform. A total of 94 participants were tested.
Findings
Attention-to-detail, attention switching and imagination subscales of autism quotient (AQ) questionnaire were found to be predictors of organisational ROCF scores, whereas only the attention-to-detail subscale was predictive of perceptual ROCF scores.
Originality/value
The current study is an example of how classic psychological paradigms can be transferred into the virtual world. Further investigation of the distinct individual preferences in drawing tasks in VR could lead to a better understanding of individual differences in the processing of visuospatial information.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work is supported by a collaborative studentship from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) of the United Kingdom, in collaboration with Sublime Digital Ltd. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.
Citation
Savickaite, S., McNaughton, K., Gaillard, E., Amaya, J., McDonnell, N., Millington, E. and Simmons, D.R. (2022), "Exploratory study on the use of HMD virtual reality to investigate individual differences in visual processing styles", Journal of Enabling Technologies, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 48-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-06-2021-0028
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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