Virtual Spaces And Real World Places: Transfer Of Route Knowledge

    Authors

    B. G. Witmer; J. H. Bailey; B. W. Knerr;K. C. Parsons

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. J. Hum.-Comput. Stud.

    Keywords

    Computer Science, Cybernetics; Ergonomics; Psychology, Multidisciplinary

    Abstract

    It has been widely suggested, but rarely demonstrated, that virtual environments (VEs) are effective training media. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate how well a VE model of a complex office building trained individuals to navigate in the actual building. Sixty participants studied route directions and landmark photographs, then rehearsed the route using either the VE model, the actual building, or verbal directions and photographs. The VE model was presented in real time via a head-tracked display. Half of the participants in each rehearsal group also studied route maps. Everyone's route knowledge was then measured in the actual building. Building configuration knowledge was also measured. VE rehearsal produced more route knowledge than verbal rehearsal, but less than with rehearsal in the actual building. Type of rehearsal had no effect on configuration knowledge. Map study influenced neither route nor configuration knowledge. These results suggest that VEs that adequately represent real world complexity can be effective training media for learning complex routes in buildings, and should be considered whenever the real world site is unavailable for training. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited

    Journal Title

    International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

    Volume

    45

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-1996

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    413

    Last Page

    428

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:A1996VL85300003

    ISSN

    1071-5819

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