This study aims to understand how people become aware of others through very simple forms of interaction. By using a minimal virtual environment, we focus on basic processes of social interaction without relying on vision or language.
Experimental Procedure
Two participants take part together in a cooperative experiment. They interact via a computer interface using a dedicated device while receiving clear instructions and completing brief questionnaires. All measurements are non-invasive, and participants can stop at any time.
Task
Participants move within a shared virtual space using the device. They receive vibration feedback when they encounter elements in the environment and respond based on their experience during the interaction.
Discrimination and Evaluation
Participants make judgments during the task based on limited sensory information. To avoid influencing behavior, detailed evaluation criteria and research hypotheses are not explained before participation. A full explanation is provided after the experiment.
Experimental Conditions
The experiment is conducted in a carefully controlled setting with minimal sensory input. This allows us to study interaction behavior under simple and well-defined conditions while ensuring participant safety and comfort.
Time Commitment and Compensation
The experiment takes approximately three hours to complete. Participants will receive a 3,000‑yen Amazon gift card as compensation.
In addition, important information regarding the experiment is provided below. Please be sure to read it carefully before participating.