| dc.description.abstract | Background: The Rubber Hand Illusion can be explained using the predictive coding framework. This theory states that the brain learns what probabilistically most likely belongs to ‘me’, through repeated exposure to events and constantly generating and updating predictions based on prior representations about the body. Context thus plays an important role in how the brain generates predictions and what gets processed more likely as ‘me’ and what not. Therefore, this study further explores the effects of approaching stimuli and misalignment on the strength of the RHI.
Methods: Two experiments were conducted where participants saw a ball coming towards them in a virtual world. The ball either moved in a predictable manner (either touching or not touching the virtual hand 100% of the time), or moved in an unpredictable manner (only touching the virtual hand 50% of the time). In the second experiment misalignment was added, ranging from 0º to 80º misalignment and a threshold at which the illusion still occurs was determined. The strength of the RHI got measured using a questionnaire, proprioceptive drift and EMG.
Results: In the first experiment the illusion occurred in all groups, however there were no statistically significant differences found between the groups on any of the outcome measures. In the second experiment there was an effect of misalignment. Sense of ownership was lower when the hand was at or below the determined threshold.
Conclusion: The Oculus Rift works well with the RHI, due to its immersive nature. Mere exposure to the virtual hand alone seems to be enough to induce the illusion | |
