An Exploration of Techniques to Improve Relative Distance Judgments within an Exocentric Display

Appendix C

Experiment 2 Overview

This experiment is designed to test how well different rotation techniques will impact your ability to make relative distance judgments on a computer screen. The purpose of this experiment is to determine which rotation techniques are most helpful in allowing you to make judgments that are both accurate and rapid.

During the experiment, you will be asked to look at a visual scene and indicate (with the keyboard) which of the 4 differently colored cubes is closest to the white cube. You will need to make each judgment as quickly and accurately as possible.

At different points in the experiment you will be able to use different rotation techniques to help you make these judgments. I will be telling you which technique will be available at the appropriate time. You will also be given small breaks at these different intervals. If at any time you would like a longer rest, please let me know and you will be given a longer break. If at any time you would like to withdraw from the experiment, please let me know and you will be excused without any penalty.

You will first perform 5 practice trials (judgments) where you will be given feedback as to whether or not you selected the closest cube. After the practice trials have concluded, you will not be told whether or not you are making correct judgments. During the practice trials you will be able to use all of the computer graphic features being tested so that you can become familiar with them.

Indicating the closest cube:

In order to specify which cube is closest to the arrow, press the following keys which are in the upper left portion of the keyboard:

press 1 if BLUE is closest,

press 2 if PINK/LAVENDAR is closest,

press 3 if GREEN is closest,

press 4 if YELLOW is closest.

These keys will also be marked with these colors on the keyboard itself. If you feel you have pressed a key in error (for example, you pressed 3 when you meant to press 2), please let me know before you press any additional keys.

The 4 rotation techniques are:

- Rotation

- Discrete Views

- Discrete Views with Rotation

- Animated Views

I will be explaining each of these techniques and how to use them during the practice trial.