Accuracy of perceived distance in VR using verbal descriptors

Abstract

Data from a previous experiment, which used a repertory grid-derived design, are analyzed in various ways to expose underlying similarities and structures in the verbal descriptors used by participants when describing audio-visual distance match and mismatch conditions. The participants are segmented by accuracy in auditory distance discrimination and audio expertise. Similarities are found in the descriptors used between accurate groups and inaccurate groups, as opposed to groups split by expertise. Similarity within accuracy and dissimilarity within expertise, is examined in subsequent analyses. Findings suggest that more variance in the types and employment of terms exists for inaccurate groups, whereas accurate groups display stronger and earlier dissimilarity in their judgments. This stronger judgement could be explained by internalized certainty which - though articulated in diverse ways - is consistently applied by accurate participants. Audio experts were equally likely to be accurate or consistent than non-experts, thus audio expertise is not synonymous with spatial audio expertise, which demands unique consideration.