Some Practical Considerations of Ethical Issues in VR Research

Abstract

As scientific laboratories are an important domain of application of VR technology, ethical issues of VR have to be discussed with respect to research and the treatment of research subjects. Exposing participants to VR systems may raise ethical problems due to motion sickness, information overload, intensification of experience, and difficulties with reentry into the real world. The ethical guidelines which are typically applied to psychological research do not cover all of these problems in detail and have to be reconsidered, since they have not been developed with regard to the use of VR systems. Therefore, practical strategies to cope with the addressed ethical problems in VR research are recommended.

Recommendations for Good Scientific Practice and the Consumers of VR-Technology

“…After all, most of us spend our time in relatively stable environments. And there may be many aspects of the functional architecture 2 Behr et al (2005) have addressed similar themes about practical issues in VR research and applications. Here, we wish to address concerns that go beyond their initial treatment of the topic.…”

“…For example, it is plausible to assume that in the future there will be many experiments combining real-time fMRI and VR or ones using animal subjects in VR (Normand et al, 2012), which are not only about understanding or improving VR itself but only use it a research tool. To begin with a short example, Behr et al (2005) have covered the research ethics of VR from a practical perspective, emphasizing that the risk of motion sickness must be minimized and that researchers ought to assist subjects as they leave the virtual environment and readjust to the real world. In this part of the article, we indicate new issues in the research ethics of VR that were not covered in Behr et al 's initial treatment.…”

Long-Term Preservation of the Physical Remains of the Destroyed Buddha Figures in Bamiyan (Afghanistan) Using Virtual Reality Technologies for Preparation and Evaluation of Restoration Measures

“…The experiences made so far with various user groups confirm the high immersive sensation and the strong feeling of telepresence of users. In 5 for the purpose of this illustration stereo projection has been turned off for better visibility of the projected image individual cases, users even experienced effects of motion sickness described by (Behr et al, 2005) triggered by movements such as "dangerous leaning" across the top of the niche. In a future step, it is envisaged to allow for an integration of additional visual information augmenting the virtual experience with digital images from the site e.g.…”

Virtual enriched environments in paediatric neuropsychological rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: Feasibility, benefits and challenges

“…The interested reader is directed to Behr et al [66] for an exposition of some issues related to VR and neuropsychological rehabilitation generally. In respect of virtual enrichment, the most important considerations would appear to relate to the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, i.e.…”

“…For example, the authors have already alluded to the fact that stimulus intensity, if taken to far, may exacerbate rather than ameliorate an injury. Behr et al [66] raise the issue of intensification of experience as a general issue in VR research. They advocate the importance of giving participants control over their exposure to VR environments, especially ones that feature vivid stimuli.…”