Psychological Immersion Research Articles

Measuring psychological immersion through cardiovascular response measures in subtitled films

Abstract This paper presents a conceptual replication of Kruger et al.’s (2017a) study, investigating the utility of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) indicators as objective measurements of psychological immersion in subtitled audiovisual products. The study employed a quasi-experimental design in ten participants viewing video clips with and without subtitles, while their physiological responses were monitored. Results suggest lower arousal levels in both conditions compared to baseline, with statistically significant differences observed in mean HR, mean RR, and RMSSD for the subtitles condition. While most inferential tests did not yield significant outcomes, descriptive trends indicate decreased arousal relative to the baseline. They also show increased arousal throughout the clip for most indicators and opposing trends for Mean HR, RMSSD and LF/HF between the two conditions. Methodological suggestions include using multiple data points for HR and HRV analysis, exploring ultra short-term measurements, selecting self-contained clips for viewing, and considering post-task baselines for a more accurate resting state representation. Despite limitations due to the small sample size, this study underscores the potential of HR and HRV as measures of immersion in translated audiovisual products, emphasising the need for larger sample sizes in future research to enhance statistical power and generalizability.

THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL INTERACTION DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SPORTS SOCIALIZATION

The article presents the theoretical foundations of researching the development of social interaction through sports socialization. Research methods such as systematization, generalization, and analysisof the main provisions of the «self-determination theory» and «flow theory» were used, including their comparison in the social and sports spheres. The main aspects of forming intrinsic motivation of individuals and its influence on societal well-being are discussed. Preconditions of «psychological immersion» are identified and described, wherein individuals become fully immersed in activities and derive maximum satisfaction from the process itself. The peculiarities of studying intersocial interaction that satisfy the basic psychological needs of individuals are highlighted. According to the research results, the application of the «self-determination theory» and «flow theory» can improve the psychological climate and development of social interaction in society and the sports industry. It is found that a significant outcome of applying these theories is the emergence of a «state of flow» in individuals, characterized by complete absorption in activities and a sense of complete social wellbeing. This can be achieved by providing individuals with a sense of control over their actions and supporting their achievements. Understanding the psychological mechanisms of developing intrinsic motivation and addressing the psychological needs of individuals can enhance the work of social services and effectively engage society in important sociocultural projects.The application of the «self-determination theory» and «flow theory», according to the authors, can positively influence the psychological climate and development of social interaction in various fields, including sports and social work. Further research on the «self-determination theory» and «flow theory» will help social workers better influence the formation of social skills in individuals in various spheres and their effective interaction in society.

Accessibility and reception studies at the Macerata Opera Festival

Abstract This essay discusses an audience reception study carried out within the framework of media accessibility to evaluate the experience of blind/partially sighted patrons and their (sighted) accompanying persons in the context of the Macerata Opera Festival (MOF). Adopting a qualitative analytical approach, feedback was collected from individuals in the sample who completed post-hoc self-report questionnaires, and three interdependent variables were measured: (a) comprehension and recall, (b) cognitive load, and (c) psychological immersion. This qualitative analysis was combined with a descriptive methodology, using attitudinal data to evaluate the lived experience of individuals, notably their appreciation and preferences. Results revealed that there was no substantial divergence in the values of the variables recorded for the two groups in the sample: blind/partially sighted and sighted (accompanying) patrons. Additionally, audio descriptions and tactile tours increased psychological immersion, without provoking cognitive overload. Furthermore, high levels of appreciation and preferences were related to comprehension and recall, cognitive load, and psychological immersion. This confirms the effectiveness of audio descriptions and tactile tours in enhancing the engagement and empowerment of blind/partially sighted members of the audience.

Making immersive storytelling accessible: Interactive low-tech implementation in elementary school civic learning

Immersive storytelling (IST) is usually conceptualized within the framework of technologically immersive tools such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. While these tools offer some unique features (such as visual fidelity, interactivity, and embodied, first-person perspective), their level of technological immersion (based on the system’s objective qualities) might not directly translate to the psychological immersion experienced by the user. Such tools also tend to require access to digital or financial resources unavailable to many schools. We propose a low-tech alternative approach leveraging storytelling’s power for learning through affordable, accessible, and familiar classroom technology – Google Slides. We used the Participatory Learning framework to generate curricular design principles that aim to create a sense of psychological immersion through active participation in technology-mediated storytelling. In this design case study paper, we describe the design of a 10-day unit on Native American history implemented across nine teachers’ elementary school classrooms in the US. We examine the interplay between pedagogical and technological constraints in the design process, the role of the theoretical framework in the design, and conclude by detailing future directions for research on low-tech immersive storytelling environments.

Analysis of the impact of Vlog news media form shaping on audience psychological immersion based on psychological experience process

BackgroundHow to enhance the psychological immersion of the audience is a major concern for the media at this stage. The psychological immersion of the audience not only affects the communication effect and influence of the media but also brings a more positive experience of reality to the audience. This project, therefore, analyses the psychological immersion of the audience based on the psychological experience process of shaping the media form of Vlog news.Subjects and MethodsIn this research, 228 college students were selected as the subjects of the experimental research. The mean age was 21.12±1.67 years, with 146 male students and 82 female students. The general demographic characteristics of all subjects were counted before the experiment and there were no significant differences (P > 0.05). All subjects were divided into a control group and a research group in a completely randomized manner. The control group disseminated news through traditional means, while the research group used a Vlog news medium based on a psychological experience process to disseminate news. The immersion scale was assessed using the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ), which consists of 13 items, with questions 1-5 on the spatial presence (SP) dimension, questions 6-9 on the involvement (INV) dimension, and questions 10-13 on the reality (REAL) dimension. Each item was scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with 0 indicating total disagreement and 6 indicating total agreement.ResultsOn the IPQ scale, the mean score of SP dimension was 3.12 ± 0.34 in the control group and 4.87 ± 0.42 in the research group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05); the mean score of INV dimension was 2.53 ± 0.36 in the control group and 4.71 ± 0.38 in the research group, with a significant difference (P < 0.05); the score of REAL dimensions was 2.98 ± 0.28 in the control group and 4.52 ± 0.41 in the research group, with a significant difference. and 4.52 ± 0.41 in the research group, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). See Table 1 for details.Table 1.Comparison of IPQ scores between the two groupsItemControl groupResearch groupAverageStandard deviationAverageStandard deviationSP3.120.344.87*0.42INV2.530.364.71*0.38REAL2.980.284.52*0.41Note: * indicates P < 0.05.ConclusionsBased on the psychological experience process, Vlog news media forms can increase the audience’s spatial immersion, psychological involvement, and authenticity experience. This increases the communication effect and influence of the media and has good research value.

Physical Interaction and Psychological Immersion: Analysis of Digital Technologies in Museum Exhibitions

In contemporary society, digital technologies are increasingly applied in museum exhibitions, in response to both the current digital economy, the experience economy, and the visiting needs. Rather than assessing any technical issues, this study aims to clarify the principles behind digital technologies being used in museum exhibitions through the use of examples and case studies. Based on Csikszentmihalyi’s flow experience theory, it will be argued that digital technologies should enhance physical interaction and create psychological immersion. Moreover, the usage of digital technologies is fundamental to improving the intellectual experience for visitors, rather than to show off technology or cater to pleasure.

La valutazione dell’esperienza del pubblico. Accessibilità e studi di ricezione al Macerata Opera Festival

This essay discusses an audience reception study carried out in the framework of media accessibility in order to evaluate the experience of blind/partially sighted patrons and their (sighted) accompanying persons in the context of Macerata Opera Festival (MOF), 2018 edition. Adopting a qualitative analytical approach, in which the main interest is on individuals (i.e. the samples under investigation), and relying on post-hoc self-report questionnaires, three interdependent variables were measured: (1) comprehension and recall , (2) cognitive load , and (3) psychological immersion . This analytical approach was then combined with a descriptive approach including the collection of attitudinal data for the evaluation of appreciation and preferences . Results reveal that there was no substantial divergence in the levels of the variables under investigation between the two samples: blind/partially sighted and sighted (accompanying) patrons. Additionally, audio description and tactile tours did not provoke cognitive overloading and they even increased psychological immersion. Furthermore, it is possible to find a correspondence between the high levels of appreciation and preferences and the results related to comprehension and recall, cognitive load, and psychological immersion. This confirms the effectiveness of audio descriptions and tactile tours in enhancing audience’s experience and increasing blind/partially sighted users’ empowerment.

A comparison of nature and urban environments on creative thinking across different levels of reality

Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to nature environments, as opposed to urban environments, can help restore depleted cognitive resources and reduce emotional and physiological stress. The present research examined the restorative properties of nature on creativity, and also whether this effect was moderated across different levels of reality and psychological immersion of the environment, using 2-dimensional (2D) videos, 3-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR), and real-life outdoor settings. Across two experiments, it was predicted that higher levels of reality would increase the restorative benefits of viewing nature environments and enhance creative thinking compared to viewing urban environments. Creativity was evaluated using the Alternative Uses Test when viewing the different environments. Experiment 1 showed that nature videos facilitated higher creativity compared to urban videos, across mediums of viewing stimuli through a 2D mobile tablet and a 3D VR headset. Experiment 2 replicated the first experiment by showing enhanced creativity for nature stimuli compared to urban stimuli using a 2D mobile tablet, but for real-life outdoor environments, both nature and urban conditions evoked the same relatively high level of creativity. The results suggest that the restorative properties of nature are most apparent for creativity when viewing stimuli indoors, however, being outdoors in general may be enough to stimulate creativity, regardless of being surrounded by nature or a busy urban environment.

Effects of Immersive, Sexually Objectifying, and Violent Video Games on Hostile Sexism in Males

Research suggests that media images depicting aggression against sexually objectified women may promote hostile sexism in men. We empirically tested if such effects might occur when men commit simulated acts of aggression against sexualized female opponents in video games, and if such effects might be heightened by psychological immersion (i.e,. the sensation of “presence” while gaming). In two studies, male participants played a first-person-shooter game, with the sex and sexualization of opponents experimentally manipulated. Results indicated that game play increased hostile sexism, to the extent that players reported feeling present in the virtual environment and provided that opponents were depicted as sexualized females, not males or nonsexualized females. No effects on benevolent sexism were observed. These results suggest that the increasingly immersive nature of modern video games might amplify their influence on players, including effects that promote hostility and aggression towards women.

Effects of bet size and multi-line play on immersion and respiratory sinus arrhythmia during electronic gaming machine use

Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) are regarded as a relatively harmful gambling product, and are associated with psychological immersion (the ‘machine zone’) and physiological arousal. Specifically, immersion is a phenomenon of attention manifesting as an intense focus on the game at the expense of peripheral stimuli and goals. Past research has indicated significant levels of immersion in response to modern multi-line EGMs when the overall bet is increased, which further scales with risk for problem gambling (Dixon et al., 2014). The present study sought to separate the effects of multi-line play and bet size, on measures of immersion and cardiac activity. Seventy-six male undergraduate students played an authentic EGM on each of 4 pre-defined play strategies while providing electrocardiogram data. The strategies varied the number of paylines and the bet multiplier. From the physiological data, we extracted Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA), a marker of task attention derived from heart rate variability. We found that immersion ratings were significantly greater when both paylines and bet-size were high. Importantly, selectively increasing the paylines, but not bet multiplier, produced significant increases in immersion. RSA change indicated parasympathetic withdrawal, consistent with increases in attention during EGM use, but did not differentiate game settings. These results suggest that multi-line EGMs capture attention across a range of play-styles, and that immersion may be effectively amplified by multi-line play.

In-Game Health Communication: Delivering Low-Fear Health Messages in a Low-Fear Videogame.

Prior research has demonstrated that psychological immersion (or "transportation") into virtual gaming worlds can heighten influence from health-promotion messages embedded in the backgrounds of gaming scenes. However, research to date has only studied the effectiveness of embedding graphic, fear-based messages in the background of violent, first-person videogames. This study sought to examine whether transportation into a nonviolent videogame can heighten persuasion from low-fear, nongraphic health messages. Willingness to drive under the influence of alcohol (DUI) was measured in an undergraduate sample (MAGE = 19) at the start of the semester, and n = 220 returned 0-3 months later to play a car-racing videogame. All were randomly assigned to play either a version of the game containing background billboards that delivered simple, text-based anti-DUI messages or consumer advertising. Self-reported levels of transportation were assessed, as well as postgame willingness to DUI. Exposure to anti-DUI messages from within the game predicted lower postgame willingness to DUI. Moreover, replicating prior research, the effect of message exposure was largest among those who reported higher levels of pregame willingness to DUI, and higher levels of in-game transportation. This study replicates prior research by suggesting that immersive videogames that promote transportation can be used to effectively deliver health communications. Results also expand prior research by providing the first evidence that such effects can generalize when health messaging orients around nongraphic, lower fear messages embedded within immersive but lower fear videogames.

Ways of (Virtual) Seeing: Applying a Bergerian Lens in a Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE)

Ways of (Virtual) Seeing: Applying a Bergerian Lens in a Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE)

A Novel Approach to Study Medical Decision Making in the Clinical Setting: The "Own-point-of-view" Perspective.

Making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions is a critical activity among physicians. It relies on the ability of physicians to use cognitive processes and specific knowledge in the context of a clinical reasoning. This ability is a core competency in physicians, especially in the field of emergency medicine where the rate of diagnostic errors is high. Studies that explore medical decision making in an authentic setting are increasing significantly. They are based on the use of qualitative methods that are applied at two separate times: 1) a video recording of the subject's actual activity in an authentic setting and 2) an interview with the subject, supported by the video recording. Traditionally, activity is recorded from an "external perspective"; i.e., a camera is positioned in the room in which the consultation takes place. This approach has many limits, both technical and with respect to the validity of the data collected. The article aims at 1) describing how decision making is currently being studied, especially from a qualitative standpoint, and the reasons why new methods are needed, and 2) reporting how we used an original, innovative approach to study decision making in the field of emergency medicine and findings from these studies to guide further the use of this method. The method consists in recording the subject's activity from his own point of view, by fixing a microcamera on his temple or the branch of his glasses. An interview is then held on the basis of this recording, so that the subject being interviewed can relive the situation, to facilitate the explanation of his reasoning with respect to his decisions and actions. We describe how this method has been used successfully in investigating medical decision making in emergency medicine. We provide details on how to use it optimally, taking into account the constraints associated with the practice of emergency medicine and the benefits in the study of clinical reasoning. The "own-point-of-view" video technique is a promising method to study clinical decision making in emergency medicine. It is a powerful tool to stimulate recall and help physicians make their reasoning explicit, thanks to a greater psychological immersion.

Putting the audience in the picture: Mise-en-shot and psychological immersion in audio described film

Audio description (AD) often emphasises the visual elements of a film rather than the way these elements are presented. However, what is seen and the way it is shown are equally important for creating meaning in film. The term mise-en-shot refers to the way in which visual aspects are shown to the audience. In order to determine whether the stylistic elements of film created by means of mise-en-shot could influence the reception of audio described film, the article investigates the effect of the presence or absence in the AD of these elements on the immersion of a sighted audience into the fictional world. Immersion is measured by means of sub-scales on character identification as well as transportation. In order to measure the effect of stylistic elements, the self-reported immersion of one group of sighted participants who sees a scene with the original soundtrack is compared to that of another sighted group who only hears the audio-described soundtrack of the scene. The findings suggest that although the absence of some mise-en-shot elements in the audio described version of the film does not influence transportation, it does influence the way in which a sighted audience identifies with characters in the film. It would therefore seem that these stylistic elements do have an important role in the immersion of audiences, which could have significant implications for AD.

Cognitive map or medium materiality? Reading on paper and screen

The present study examined two common mechanisms that are used to explain why reading on an electronic screen versus paper result in different reading outcomes: The Cognitive Map Mechanism and the Medium Materiality Mechanism. A laboratory experiment (N = 45), was conducted using a three-group comparison design (paper book vs. digital equivalent vs. digital disrupted view). Our hypotheses that were based on the cognitive map mechanism were largely supported. On the other hand, our hypotheses following the medium materiality mechanism were not sufficiently evidenced. Specifically, our results showed that the paper book was similar to its digital equivalent, and both were better than the digital disrupted view in terms of reading comprehension, feelings of fatigue, and psychological immersion. The findings implied that it is not the materiality of the presentation medium that influences reading outcomes, rather it is the extent to which the text presentation facilitates, or impedes, the reader's ability to construct a cognitive map that influences the reading process. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Effects of Low- Versus High-Fidelity Simulations on the Cognitive Burden and Performance of Entry-Level Paramedicine Students: A Mixed-Methods Comparison Trial Using Eye-Tracking, Continuous Heart Rate, Difficulty Rating Scales, Video Observation and Interviews.

High-fidelity simulation-based training is often avoided for early-stage students because of the assumption that while practicing newly learned skills, they are ill suited to processing multiple demands, which can lead to "cognitive overload" and poorer learning outcomes. We tested this assumption using a mixed-methods experimental design manipulating psychological immersion. Thirty-nine randomly assigned first-year paramedicine students completed low- or high-environmental fidelity simulations [low-environmental fidelity simulations (LF(en)S) vs. high-environmental fidelity simulation (HF(en)S)] involving a manikin with obstructed airway (SimMan3G). Psychological immersion and cognitive burden were determined via continuous heart rate, eye tracking, self-report questionnaire (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index), independent observation, and postsimulation interviews. Performance was assessed by successful location of obstruction and time-to-termination. Eye tracking confirmed that students attended to multiple, concurrent stimuli in HF(en)S and interviews consistently suggested that they experienced greater psychological immersion and cognitive burden than their LF(en)S counterparts. This was confirmed by significantly higher mean heart rate (P < 0.001) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index mental demand (P < 0.05). Although group allocation did not influence the proportion of students who ultimately revived the patient (58% vs. 30%, P < 0.10), the HF(en)S students did so significantly more quickly (P < 0.01). The LF(en)S students had low immersion resulting in greater assessment anxiety. High-environmental fidelity simulation engendered immersion and a sense of urgency in students, whereas LF(en)S created assessment anxiety and slower performance. We conclude that once early-stage students have learned the basics of a clinical skill, throwing them in the "deep end" of high-fidelity simulation creates significant additional cognitive burden but this has considerable educational merit.

People performance enablers in relation to employees’ psychological attachment to the organisation

This study investigated the relationship between a set of people performance enablers and psychological attachment behavioural states in a variety of South African work settings. The sample (N = 582) comprised mostly males (69%) and black Africans from organisations in the manufacturing (17%), financial services (14%), information technology (16%) and the non-profit sectors (53%). Data on employees’ perceptions of performance enablers and their psychological attachment to the particular organisation were collected using the Psychological Work Immersion Scale (PWIS: Veldsman, 2013). The data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis to reveal the structure of the people enablers and psychological attachment variables in the South African work settings. Structural equation modelling was used to predict psychological attachment from the performance enabler indicators. The findings provided evidence that employees’ perceptions of performance enablers significantly explain their level of psychological attachment (commitment, motivation and work absorption). Manager credibility appears as a key performance enabler and commitment as a strong element of psychological attachment. The research contributes to the literature on individual and organisational performance by extending research on work psychology in the South African context.

모바일 소셜네트워크 게임에 대한 인지된 가치가 지속적 사용의도에 미치는 영향 -몰입의 매개효과를 중심으로-

논문은 MSNG 사용자들의 지속적 이용을 장려하고자 하는 MSNG 서비스 제공자들의 전략에 대하여 연구하였다. 이를 위하여 MSNG 사용자들의 행동에 영향을 미치는 심리의 작용을 이해하고자 하였다. MSNG서비스 제공자는 MSNG 사용자의 이성적, 감정적, 심리적 측면을 공략하고자, MSNG 사용자가 인지하게 될 기능적 가치, 감성적 가치 및 사회적 가치향상 전략을 실행할 것으로 가정하였다. 또한, 이러한 MSNG 서비스 제공자의 전략이 MSNG 사용자의 심리적 상황을 몰입상태로 바꾸어 MSNG에 대한 지속적 사용의도가 나타날 것으로 추론하였다. MSNG 사용자들로부터 확보된 431개 응답을 기초로 분석한 결과에 따르면, MSNG 서비스 제공자가 사용자의 기능적 가치, 감성적 가치 및 사회적 가치를 높이려고 하는 전략은 모두 MSNG의 지속적 이용에 직접적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 분석되었다. 또한, MSNG 서비스 제공자의 제반 가치 향상 전략은 MSNG 사용자의 심리적 상황을 몰입 상태로 변환시켜 지속적 이용을 강화하는 것으로 분석되었다. 상기와 같은 결과를 바탕으로 시사점을 제시하고, 연구과정에서 직면한 한계점을 기반으로 향후 연구방향을 제언하였다. This paper explores the framework in which MSNG(Mobile social network game) service providers' strategies to enhance users' intention of continuous usage. Users' perceived values have been considered as the key factors to solicit MSNG user's intention. Moreover, we suggest flow(user's psychological immersion to MSNG) as a mediator variable to inflame users' intention. Results based on 431 respondents shows that MSNG service providers' strategies(i.e., functional, emotional, and social values) directly influence users' intention to use, while those independent variables also show positive relationships towards dependent variables. So we can identify that the efforts to elaborate the users' perceived values are meaningful strategies of MSNG service providers. Also, user's psychological change(i.e. "flow" in this study) is the essential to mediate between MSNG service provider's strategies and building users' intention to use for that MSNG.

The Effects of Actual Human Size Display and Stereoscopic Presentation on Users' Sense of Being Together with and of Psychological Immersion in a Virtual Character

This study examined the role of display size and mode in increasing users' sense of being together with and of their psychological immersion in a virtual character. Using a high-resolution three-dimensional virtual character, this study employed a 2×2 (stereoscopic mode vs. monoscopic mode×actual human size vs. small size display) factorial design in an experiment with 144 participants randomly assigned to each condition. Findings showed that stereoscopic mode had a significant effect on both users' sense of being together and psychological immersion. However, display size affected only the sense of being together. Furthermore, display size was not found to moderate the effect of stereoscopic mode.

COULD AN INTERACTIVE AND TOTAL IMMERSIVE DEVICE WITH HMD IMPROVE MEMORY AND GIVE THE PRESENCE SENSATION?

We studied two interactive (functional and intentional interactivity) and immersive (technical and psychological immersion) devices with a personal 3D viewer (360° vision and environmentally ego-centered) and their effects on the explicit long-term memories of the subjects (4 groups of 30 students for a total of 120 subjects) (2007 and 2012). We have tested memory, communication and feeling of presence in our virtual environment with a canonic test of presence (Witmer and Singer, 1998). In our first experiment (2007), the results showed that there was no improvement in mnemonic performances compared with other types of media (PowerPoint classes without taking notes, with the taking of notes and a lecture class with no other medium). Our second experiment (2012) used a total-immersion device with the ability for the subjects to share their emotions and sensations through a network, results in progress). This article is a reflection on immersion and the presence sensation in a virtual environment in these 3D devices.