Enhanced Perception of Risk in a Driving Simulator

A crucial factor influencing the validity of VR is sense of presence. The aim of this study is, firstly, to increase sense of presence of simulator driving by introducing an anxiety-inducing risk factor. Secondly, to add clarification to the partly inconclusive relationship between sense of presence, anxiety and physiological markers. The study consisted of two groups. The control group drove in the simulator normally. The threat group expected an electric shock in case of collision. Self-report ratings (on sense of presence, anxiety and task load), behavioral (speed, steering reversal rate, brake pedal use) and physiological measurements (EDA, HR) were taken. We expected an increase in the sense of presence, arousal, steering reversals, brake pedal use, task load and anxiety ratings, and a decrease of speed in the threat group. Analyses revealed partial group differences in speed and steering reversal rate. Sense of presence was identical and notably high in both groups. This implies that either a more aversive stimulus might be needed to induce anxiety and increase sense of presence, or that it can hardly be increased at all in highly immersive VR systems.