VRTIGO lets you test your nerves in virtual reality
Why do some people react more strongly than others when faced with the unknown? Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, headed by Professor Carmen Sandi, have set out to learn more with a new virtual reality program. Their system evaluates how users' personality traits and prior experience influence their responses to anxiety-inducing situations. Designed to be tested on a large sample of volunteers, it will be available for visitors to try out during the Geneva International Film Festival on 5–10 November, where it will be featured in the Digital Out of Competition category.
Crucial data for research
The VRTIGO experience, although amusing, provides valuable data for scientists studying human anxiety. The data are completely anonymous; volunteers are asked to fill out a short questionnaire on their antecedents and emotional state. During the experiment, the system's sensors relay information about users' physiological responses, while accelerometers track their body positions, movements and the directions in which they are looking. Samples are also taken of users' saliva to determine their cortisol levels – an indicator of how much stress they feel.
"These tests carried out among the general public will give us data from people of many different ages and backgrounds, and help advance our research on this issue," says Studer. The research team hopes to publish their findings in 2019.
Read the full story here: https://phys.org/news/2018-11-vrtigo-nerves-virtual-reality.html