The effect of 2D/3D environment on decision making confidence in visual perceptual tasks

Abstract

We researched the influence of 3-D perception on confidence in decision-making. How does task complexity influence our self-confidence when hard decisions have to be taken? These questions are of high importance in various fields, including minimally invasive surgery and eyewitness recognition, since an incorrect decision may have severe consequences. This behavioral study compared 2-D and 3-D environments for the following parameters: correctness of results, level of confidence, confidence bias and interaction between task complexity and level of confidence. A group of young adults (N=41) were presented with a visual perceptual task in both the 2-D and 3-D environment. Results indicated significantly higher decision-making confidence levels in the 3-D environment, relative to the correctness of the decision. Also indicated were lower confidence bias in the 3-D environment and a significant interaction between self-confidence and task complexity between the 2-D/3-D environments.