Validation of Pupillometry as an Objective Measurement with the Use of Virtual Reality

Abstract

Pupillometry is the study of the psychophysical state an individual may be in before and after a stimulus has been presented (Laeng, 2012). With the rise in new types of technology, virtual reality is being used to determine whether pupil dilation is an accurate measurement for autonomic activation. This coupled with the determination whether virtual reality plays a part in valence, will further support an existing theory that virtual reality increases the ecological validity in experimental settings. Participants will view multiple 360 – degree videos from multiple levels of intensity and valence in random order while their pupil dilation and constriction are being measured in real time. The researchers hypothesize that the higher the level of subjective intensity and unpleasant valence, the larger the pupil dilation will be. A headset that was created for game development is being used for the interesting software. In doing this, the researcher will be given the unique opportunity to measure pupil dilation while the participant takes part in a semi – realistic setting. This opens up new doors in the area of measurement for the field of Psychology. There is a possibility that a baseline reading can be created using pupillometry. By using the dataset from Gaskins and Rupp: Validation of Pupillometry as an Objective Measurement with the use of Virtual Reality (2018), a generalized baseline reading for autonomic activation may also be created.