Stereoscopic 3D Video Games Can Boost Depth Perception
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that video game play improves a range of visual functions such as contrast sensitivity and visual crowding. Our experiment goal was aimed to test whether playing video games in a virtual 3-dimensional (3D) environment can modify depth perception or not. Altogether, 24 healthy young adults with no previous video game experience were recruited in two groups. In the treatment group (3DVG, n=12), participants were required to play stereoscopic 3D video games for a total of 40 hours over 4-5 weeks. In the control group (2DVG, n=12), participants played the same video games but in 2D mode for the same time course. Stereoacuity was measured using random dot stereograms before and after the video game intervention. A custom-built 4-mirror haploscope was used to present a half monitor screen to each eye. A method of constant stimuli was used to measure stereoacuity. The visual task was to determine the stereoscopic depth of a central square presented on the monitor (in front or behind) relative to an outer reference square. Stereoacuity was defined as the disparity at the 84% correct response rates obtained by fitting a Probit function. After playing 3D video games, a remarkable 33.5% improvement was observed in mean stereoacuity. There was a statistically significant difference in stereoacuity before and after the video game intervention in the 3DVG treatment group (mean difference=11.16 arcsec; paired t=3.63, p=0.004), but not in the 2DVG control group (mean difference=- 0.08 arcsec; paired t=0.10, p=0.92). Experiment showed that playing stereoscopic 3D video games for a short period of time can improve depth perception.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Roger W. Li
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Stereoscopic 3D Video Games Can Boost Depth Perception
Alvin Sherman Library
Previous studies have shown that video game play improves a range of visual functions such as contrast sensitivity and visual crowding. Our experiment goal was aimed to test whether playing video games in a virtual 3-dimensional (3D) environment can modify depth perception or not. Altogether, 24 healthy young adults with no previous video game experience were recruited in two groups. In the treatment group (3DVG, n=12), participants were required to play stereoscopic 3D video games for a total of 40 hours over 4-5 weeks. In the control group (2DVG, n=12), participants played the same video games but in 2D mode for the same time course. Stereoacuity was measured using random dot stereograms before and after the video game intervention. A custom-built 4-mirror haploscope was used to present a half monitor screen to each eye. A method of constant stimuli was used to measure stereoacuity. The visual task was to determine the stereoscopic depth of a central square presented on the monitor (in front or behind) relative to an outer reference square. Stereoacuity was defined as the disparity at the 84% correct response rates obtained by fitting a Probit function. After playing 3D video games, a remarkable 33.5% improvement was observed in mean stereoacuity. There was a statistically significant difference in stereoacuity before and after the video game intervention in the 3DVG treatment group (mean difference=11.16 arcsec; paired t=3.63, p=0.004), but not in the 2DVG control group (mean difference=- 0.08 arcsec; paired t=0.10, p=0.92). Experiment showed that playing stereoscopic 3D video games for a short period of time can improve depth perception.
