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The Virtual Reality Scenario Method

Moving from Imagination to Immersion in Criminal Decision-making Research

Journal Article (2019)
Author(s)

Jean-Louis van Gelder (University of Twente)

Reinout E. de Vries (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Twente)

Andrew Demetriou (TU Delft - Multimedia Computing)

Iris van Sintemaartensdijk (University of Twente, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Tara Donker (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Research Group
Multimedia Computing
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022427818819696
More Info
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Publication Year
2019
Language
English
Research Group
Multimedia Computing
Issue number
3
Volume number
56
Pages (from-to)
451-480
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Abstract

Objectives: This study proposes an alternative hypothetical scenario method capitalizing on the potential of virtual reality (VR). Rather than asking participants to imagine themselves in a specific situation, VR perceptually immerses them in it. We hypothesized that experiencing a scenario in VR would increase feelings of being “present” in the situation, and add to perceived realism compared to the written equivalent. This, in turn, was expected to trigger stronger emotional experiences influencing subsequent behavioral intentions. Methods: In an experiment, participants (N = 153), visitors of a large music festival, either read a “bar fight” scenario or experienced the scenario in VR. Following the scenario, they were presented a series of questions including intention to aggress, perceived risk, anticipated shame/guilt, presence, perceived realism, and anger. Analyses were conducted using analysis of variance, stepwise regression, and mediation analysis using nonparametric bootstrapping. Results: In line with expectations, the results indicate significant differences between conditions with the VR scenario triggering stronger presence, higher realism, and higher intention to aggress. Importantly, presence and anger mediated the relation between condition and intention to aggress. Conclusions: We show that the VR scenario method may provide benefits over written scenarios for the study of criminal decision-making. Implications are discussed.