Performing Tasks in Virtual Reality. Interplay between Realism and Visual Imagery

Natalia Lipp, Paweł Strojny, Agnieszka Strojny, Sławomir Śpiewak, Jan Argasiński, Przemysław Korzeniowski

The main aims of the presented study are to verify whether the amount of textures in a virtual scene affects task performance and to test whether visual imagery changes the relationship between realism and task performance. An experimental study with three groups differed in visual realism was conducted (n=100). Participants were asked to perform a task: taking on the role of a marshaller and positioning the plane on the airport apron. Results indicate that texturing does not affect task performance. Visual imagery is a moderator of the relationship between perceived realism and task performance. A high level of imagery interferes with a high realism assessment decreasing task performance.