Presence and Emotions in Virtual Environments: The Influence of Stereoscopy

TLDR

This study investigates how stereoscopy affects the sense of presence and the intensity of positive mood in virtual environments. A between‑group design with 40 volunteers randomly assigned to stereoscopic or monoscopic conditions and to relaxation or joy emotional VEs, with emotions assessed before and after and presence measured by ITC‑SOPI and SUS, was used. Results show no differences between stereoscopic and monoscopic presentations in VEs in terms of subjective presence or emotional reactions.

Abstract

This study investigates how stereoscopy (the illusion of depth and 3D imaging) affects the sense of presence and the intensity of the positive mood that users feel in virtual environments (VEs). A between-group design was used, and 40 volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions (stereoscopy vs. no stereoscopy) and to one of two emotional VEs (relaxation or joy). The participants' emotions were assessed before and after the VR experience. Presence was measured with two postexperiment questionnaires (ITC-SOPI and SUS). Results show that there were no differences between stereoscopic and monoscopic presentations in VEs (neither subjective sense of presence nor emotional reactions). Practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed herein.