Virtual reality (VR) and presence research has historically been conducted using large laboratory equipment. With the affordance of new technology, like the Oculus Rift, we can begin to delve into the world of consumer based VR interactions. The majority of consumers purchasing the Oculus Rift are interested in playing video games and one popular genre is horror. In addition, both males and females enjoy video games and VR yet there are still unanswered questions regarding sex differences and presence with these technologies. This study examined the impact of technological advancement (VR headset: Oculus Rift vs. traditional compute monitor), sex differences (males vs. females), and their interaction on spatial presence and fright reaction (self-reported measure as well as observable fear behaviors) while playing the horror game, Alien: Isolation. It was found that males and females did not differ statistically on spatial presence, self-reporting of fear, and observable fear responses. Technological advancement increased feelings of spatial presence. In addition, spatial presence was found to mediate the relationship between technology advancement and fear response (self-reported and observable fear behaviors).
Read
