Effects of guided and unguided style learning on user attention in a virtual environment

Abstract

In this paper, we investigated the effects of guided and unguided style VR learning on user attention and retained knowledge. We conducted a study where users performed guided or unguided style learning in the virtual environment while user attention was measured through an eye tracking system and physiological sensors. The virtual environment contained the five specific events associated with different stimuli, but the guided task was designed to provide the specific goals whereas the unguided task asked the user to actively search for the interesting items. The results showed that the unguided task followed by the guided task made a considerable learning effect by giving a preview to the user. In addition, tactile feedback, sudden view point change, unique appearance and behavior, and sound stimuli played an important factor in increasing human attention states that also induced enhancing human memory about VR experience.