Simulator Sickness and Related Findings in a Virtual Environment

Abstract

Research indicates that users of Virtual Environments (VEs) can experience a variety of effects known as “simulator sickness.” A PC-based VE system was used to investigate sickness occurring in conjunction with a 20-minute exposure to the game Ascent. Forty undergraduates served as participants. Sickness was measured with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Data on gender, possible lingering/delayed effects, inter-pupillary distance (IPD), and final level reached in Ascent were also collected. Statistical comparison of the pre- and post-exposure SSQ data established sickness occurrence. The results indicated that sickness could be severe and may involve lingering and/or delayed effects. Gender differences in mean sickness scores were not statistically significant. A significant negative correlation was found between IPD and the SSQ Eyestrain symptom. Significant negative correlations were also found between sickness scores and final level reached in Ascent. These findings provide some insight into possible effects of VE exposure and suggest some areas for research.

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