Perceived realism in VR as a multifaceted concept: Insights from interviews and focus groups with experts and non-experts

Abstract

As virtual reality (VR) evolves as a narrative medium, its capacity to immerse users in realistic environments has attracted scholarly interest. This study investigates how users perceive realism in VR beyond sensory fidelity. Using 27 interviews and four focus groups with experts and non-experts (n = 77), we examine how realism in VR is conceptualized and experienced. Qualitative analysis identified 12 factors contributing to perceived realism, grouped into five overarching dimensions: immersion, presence, embodiment, involvement and external realism. Our findings indicate that realism is shaped not only by technological features such as graphical quality but also by factors such as emotional involvement, narrative consistency and perceived authenticity. The study advances theorizing on perceived realism by proposing a framework that integrates technological and experiential dimensions and offers a basis for developing scales to measure realism in VR. Current findings are also relevant for the responsible use of VR in persuasive contexts.