The effect of stereo and context on memory and awareness states in immersive virtual environments

Spatial awareness is crucial for human performance efficiency of any task that entails perception of space. Memory of spaces is an imperfect reflection of the cognitive activity (awareness states) that underlies performance in such environments. Furthermore, performance on these tasks may also be influenced by the context of the environment. This research investigates the effect of stereo viewing on object recognition after exposure to an immersive VE, in terms of both scene context and associated awareness states. The immersive simulation consisted of a radiosity-rendered room that was either populated by objects consistent with an office setting or by primitive objects located in similar positions. The simulation was displayed on a stereo head-tracked Head Mounted Display. Twenty-four participants across two visual conditions of varying depth cues (absence vs presence of stereo cues) were exposed to the VE and completed an object-based memory recognition task. Participants also reported one of four states of awareness following each recognition response which reflected whether visual mental imagery was induced during retrieval. Results revealed better memory of objects that were consistent with the environment context and associated with vivid memorial experiences when the space was viewed in stereo.