AbstractsPsychology

An issue that the users face when employing a controller in virtual environments (VE), is effectively using the afforded actions necessary for task-relevant goal achievement. A virtual reality game was used to investigate the link between the physical constraints of a controller-interface, the behavioral (postural) control strategies that develop and subsequent performance within the VE. Postural motion was examined using a motion capture system, and the differences that emerged as a result of the controller interface-order using various synchronicity-non-linear procedures. A significant interaction was found between user performance and controller-interface order. These findings suggest that the constraints of the controller does not necessarily create performance differences at face value though the increase or decrement of performance is grounded on how the user gains information through interacting with the specific controller interface as well as how that interaction shapes their ability to learn, adapt, and develop successful, relevant control strategies.