Examining the effects of embodiment on performance and learning of drilling actions using pseudo-haptics and standard computer equipment

Abstract

Psychomotor skills training within virtual learning environments are limited due to the need for expensive haptic devices to simulate haptic cues. While pseudo-haptics presents an accessible and cost-effective alternative to haptic devices, no empirical data support the notion of coupling it with embodiment which is crucial for psychomotor skill development. This thesis explored the effect of embodiment, represented by a virtual hand, coupled with pseudo-haptics on the performance and learning of a virtual drilling task. Using a mixed methods approach, 40 participants performed a virtual drilling task using a developed specifically for this purpose. The results show that when coupled with pseudo-haptics, embodiment significantly improves the speed of acquisition of the task indicating the need for a virtual hand in a virtual psychomotor-based simulation when coupled with pseudo-haptics. Although greater work is required, these results may lead to a convenient cost-effective virtual psychomotor-based simulation using standard computer equipment.