Presence: A Review

ABSTRACT

Virtual reality technology is emerging as a valuable tool for a variety of disciplines, including psychological research and theory, therapy, training, communication, medicine, education, and entertainment. The defining feature of modern virtual reality environments is their ability to induce virtual presence, the user’s perception of reality within the computer-generated environment. Presence is a complex psychological phenomenon, and as such, researchers have put forth various definitions, measurement techniques, and causal factors of this essential construct. In this review, we unify disparate definitions of presence, review available measurement techniques, and, most importantly, identify the known underlying determinants of presence.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

We have no known conflict of interest to disclose. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William M. Felton

William M. Felton is a Ph.D. candidate in Experimental Psychology at the University of Idaho. His primary research focus is the determinants and measurement of virtual presence.

Russell E. Jackson

Russell E. Jackson is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Idaho. His primary research focus is navigation and how visual perception may reflect the environments in which humans evolved.