Object Recognition in Virtual Reality : Gender Differences in Reaction Time, Accuracy, and Perceived Complexity

Abstract

This thesis investigates whether there are significant differences in reaction time and accuracy between genders in a cognitively complex task in a Virtual Reality setting. Prior findings indicate clear male advantage in accuracy and reaction time in visuospatial tasks, while females are found to be in more advantageous position in verbal tasks and episodic memory. However, prior studies often utilize conventional response tools and computer monitors, limiting their applicability to immersive VR environments. In this pilot study the reaction time and accuracy of six participants were recorded and observed. The participants reacted to a visual recognition task in a VR environment utilizing a head-mounted display while responding to pedestrians and cyclists as they appear in the VR space. After the test trials, the participants evaluated the task by difficulty, usability and visual clarity. The results indicate substantial differences within the gender groups; however, only minor differences were discovered between genders. The findings indicate a 60 msec difference in the mean reaction times and a 1% difference in accuracy, indicating a negligible difference between genders. Factors, such as prior experience with VR and driving simulation games, as well as subjective perception of usability and task complexity were found to be more dominating factors affecting the differences between the participants. Overall, the findings indicate that gender is not a strong predictor of performance in object recognition tasks set in a VR environment. However, prior experience and subjective perception of tasks appear to play a more important role. The preliminary results of this pilot study highlight the importance of its experimental nature and suggests the consideration of more systematically profiled participant groups for future studies