The study of human behaviour in a laboratory set-up with the use of innovative technology

Abstract

Virtual reality technologies known since the 1990s have virtually disappeared. They have been replaced by their new editions characterised by a very faithful reproduction of details. The laboratory described in the article was created to study the intensity of various sensations experienced by a person in virtual worlds. A number of different scenarios have been developed that are designed to trigger specific reactions, to produce symptoms similar to those observed in arachnophobia, acrophobia or claustrophobia. The person examined can be equipped with a series of non-invasive sensors placed on the body in such a way that they do not interfere with immersion in VR. The laboratory instruments enable the acquisition and synchronisation of many signals. Body movement data is recorded by means of Kinect. Involuntary hand movements are measured with 5DT gloves. In addition, body temperature, ambient temperature and skin moisture are continuously monitored. Apart from recording the image from VR goggles, it is also possible to record the entire session on camera in 4K resolution in order to interpret facial expressions. The results are then analysed in detail and checked for patterns. The article describes both the test set-up itself as well as several test scenarios and presents the results of pilot studies.