Using Interactive 3D Software to Create Manipulatable Human Figures for Body Perception Research

The poster presents the use of the DAZ3D program as a measurement tool for body size perception. When studying body schema, researchers often rely on human figure comparisons to examine body size perceptions. Often these figures are two-dimensional drawings or photos of human bodies. However, human bodies are three-dimensional. Previous research has shown the advantage of using three-dimensional changeable figures in assessing body size perception (Crossley, Cornelissen, & Tovee, 2012). We chose the DAZ3D program over other options (e.g., Body Visualizer) because it allows the user to rotate the figure in space (both depth and plane), convert manipulated figure measures to real life metrics (e.g., inches or centimeters), input real life metrics to create figures, and manipulate over 50 parameters of measurement consisting of both length and circumference. The downside to DAZ3D is that it can be confusing to set up and use. We explain how to use DAZ3D software effectively for use in body size perception research. We had participants use the DAZ3D software to represent their own body, allowing them to manipulate 17 body measurements. Our data suggests that participants can easily use the program and accurately represent their body size (their figure was compared to real life body measurements). Additionally, because DAZ3D has the ability to manipulate almost all aspects of the human figure (including parameters such as muscle mass), researchers will be able to make a more fine-grained analysis of distortions in body perception in both men and women