This pilot study examines the impact of combined immersion and embodiment on learning and emotional outcomes. The results are intended to better enable U.S. Army senior leaders to decide if dismounted infantry Soldiers would benefit from a more immersive simulation-based training capability. The experiment's between-subject design included a sample of 15 participants randomly assigned to one of three system configurations representing different levels of
combined immersion and embodiment. The control group was a typical desktop, and the two experimental groups were a typical configuration of a Virtual Reality headset (VR) and a novel configuration using VR supported by an omnidirectional treadmill (ODT) for full body exploration and interaction. Unique from similar studies, this pilot study allows for an analysis of the Infinadeck ODT's impact on learning outcomes and the value of pairing tasks by type with
various levels of immersion. Each condition accessed the same realistically modeled geospatial virtual environment (VE), the UCF Virtual Arboretum, and completed the same pre and post VE-interaction measurement instruments.
These tests included complicated and complex information. Declarative information involved listing plants/communities native to central Florida (complicated tasks) while the situational awareness measurement required participants to draw a sketch map (complex task). The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric statistical test showed no difference between conditions on learning outcomes. The non-parametric Spearman correlation statistical test showed many significant relationships between the system configuration and emotional outcomes. Graphical representations of the data combined with quantitative, qualitative, and correlational data suggest a larger sample size is required to increase power to answer this research question. This study found a strong trend which indicates learning outcomes are affected by task type and significant correlations between emotions important for learning outcomes increased with combined immersion and embodiment.
Major: Modeling and Simulation
Educational Career:
Bachelor's of Criminal Justice, BA, 2006, Wright State University
Master's of Political Science, MA, 2015, Ohio University
Committee in Charge:
Dr. Maria C. R. Harrington, Chair, Nicholson School of Communication and Media
Charles E. Hughes, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Education, Games & Interactive Media, Modeling & Simulation
Bruce D. Caulkins, Program Director, M&S of Behavioral Cybersecurity, School of Modeling, Simulation & Training (SMST)
Approved for distribution by Dr. Maria C. R. Harrington, Committee Chair, on February 6, 2023.
The public is welcome to attend.
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