The effect of sound delivery methods on a user's sense of presence in a virtual environment

Abstract

The purpose behind this thesis was two-fold. First, the effect of sound delivery on a user's sense of presence in a virtual environment was investigated. Second, the physiological responses of electrodermal activity, heart rate, and temperature were measured and correlated to the user's subjective sense of presence in an attempt to determine if physiological measures can be used in the future as an objective measure of presence. A computer based first-person shooter game (Medal of Honor: Allied Assaultâ ) was utilized as the virtual environment. The independent variable was sound delivery method (no sound, 5.1 surround sound, headphones, and headphones with subwoofer). The dependent variables were physiological response and questionnaire results. Results indicated that sound contributed to the user's sense of presence as evidenced by electrodermal activity and temperature and questionnaire scores. Also, significant changes occurred between the speaker and headphone sound delivery methods. This response suggests that speakers created a higher sense of emotion and possibly induced a higher level of presence in participants.