Spatial Navigation in Virtual Reality: Does the Implementation of Motion Influence Navigation Strategy?
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BORIS DOI
Description
When navigating through space, human either rely on an allocentric
strategy by referring to external landmarks and spatial relationships or
an egocentric strategy by referring to self-referenced cues or body
movements. These strategies can be assessed using a T-maze
paradigm, where participants are first asked to locate a target in a T-
shaped maze surrounded by visual landmarks. After multiple practice
trials in which the target remains in the same location, the landmarks
are rotated relative to the maze. Participants’ subsequent navigations
provide insight into their preferred navigation strategy. T-maze
experiments have been conducted in VR settings. However, it is unclear
to what extent the implementation of motion affects the motion strategy.
To address this question, participants complete a T-maze task (1) in
immersive VR with physical walking, (2) in immersive VR using a
controller to move, and (3) in a screen-based, non-immersive VR
setting using a controller. In addition to assessing navigation strategies,
the study compares the experience in VR regarding motion sickness
and sense of presence. By examining the impact of embodied
movement on spatial orientation, this study aims to clarify the role of
self-motion for navigation strategy selection and provides insights into
the mechanisms underlying spatial cognition.
strategy by referring to external landmarks and spatial relationships or
an egocentric strategy by referring to self-referenced cues or body
movements. These strategies can be assessed using a T-maze
paradigm, where participants are first asked to locate a target in a T-
shaped maze surrounded by visual landmarks. After multiple practice
trials in which the target remains in the same location, the landmarks
are rotated relative to the maze. Participants’ subsequent navigations
provide insight into their preferred navigation strategy. T-maze
experiments have been conducted in VR settings. However, it is unclear
to what extent the implementation of motion affects the motion strategy.
To address this question, participants complete a T-maze task (1) in
immersive VR with physical walking, (2) in immersive VR using a
controller to move, and (3) in a screen-based, non-immersive VR
setting using a controller. In addition to assessing navigation strategies,
the study compares the experience in VR regarding motion sickness
and sense of presence. By examining the impact of embodied
movement on spatial orientation, this study aims to clarify the role of
self-motion for navigation strategy selection and provides insights into
the mechanisms underlying spatial cognition.
Date of Publication
2025-09-09
Publication Type
Conference Item
Language(s)
en
Additional Credits
Institute of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Perception and Methodology
Institut für Psychologie - Kognitive Psychologie (Prof. Mast)
Title of Event
Access(Rights)
open.access