Tele-experiments—experiments on spatial cognition using VRML-based multimedia

Abstract

This paper describes an application of VRML-based multimedia to the domain of spatial cognition experiments. Typically, such experiments involve human subjects that are presented with graphical stimuli in a laboratory setup. Larger numbers of subjects and stimuli give more weight to the outcomes of the experiment, but in practice the number of subjects is limited by practicalities like time constraints. This paper describes a way to overcome this limitation: use the internet to bring the experiment to the subject instead of the other way around. We are developing a web page with psychophysical experiments, using VRML as a means for presenting three-dimensional graphics to simulate the conditions of a laboratory experiment. While using the web for psychological experiments is not a novel idea, combining that with VRML is new and extends the possibilities for experiments. In this paper we outline the power of using the web and describe an experiment using VRML, highlighting technical aspects of the problems encountered and the solutions taken to overcome them.

Realistic precision and accuracy of online experiment platforms, web browsers, and devices

“…While the internet has been available since the 1990s, and tools like MTurk have existed since the mid-2000s, the adoption of online research has begun to accelerate only in the past 5-10 years. There are, however, some early examples of online experimentation, for example, investigating spatial cognition (Givaty et al, 1998), visual motion extrapolation (Hecht et al, 1999), probability learning (Birnbaum & Wakcher, 2002), and establishment of labs dedicated to web experiments (Reips, 2001). In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several guidance books and articles on the subject were published (Birnbaum, 2000;McGraw et al, 2000), with one 1995 review even coining the term 'Cyberpsych' to describe internet-based psychological science (Kelley-Milburn & Milburn, 1995).…”

Online Timing Accuracy and Precision: A comparison of platforms, browsers, and participant's devices

“…Despite the internet being available since the 1990s, and tools like MTurk existing since the mid-2000s, the adoption of onlineresearch has started to grow at a more rapid rate in the last 5-10 years. There are, however, some early examples of online experimentation, for example: investigating spatial cognition (Givaty et al, 1998), visual motion extrapolation (Hecht et al, 1999), probability learning (Birnbaum & Wakcher, 2002), and establishment of labs dedicated to web experiments (Reips, 2001). In the late 1990s and early 2000s several guidance books and articles on the…”

Research Design and Tools for Internet Research

“…As well as using existing sites, it is possible to set up a bespoke environment created specifically for the purposes of a research study, and this strategy may be especially useful in implementing experimental designs (obtrusively, e.g. Givaty et al, 1998). The latter strategy may also be beneficial where high levels of confidentiality, and security over research data, are required, such as in highly sensitive research contexts.…”

“…In summary, observational IMR approaches can confer a number of benefits over offline methods, as outlined above (including cost-and time-savings, which can enable access to larger sample sizes than is possible offline, e.g. Givaty et al, 1998, and enhanced scope for unobtrusive observation of highly topicspecific sources, e.g. Tonkin et al, 2012).…”