Virtual reality (VR), as an emerging platform of visual display, provides a totally different reading experience and reading paradigm. VR devices allow users to read through a 3D panoramic display which creates a strong immersion as if the user were surrounded by some specific environment. However, it is still unknown whether virtual reality reading provides better reading effects comparing with traditional reading platforms. In order to further investigated the correlation between display format and reading comprehension, this study looked to explore the difference between virtual reality reading and traditional reading mainly focusing on the process efficacy and reading behavior.
This study investigates the following research questions:
RQ1. Do users experience higher levels of flow experience in VR reading mobile reading or books?
RQ2. Which reading format provides the highest reading efficacy?
RQ3. What characteristic of reading behavior in VR reading can be found？
The present research used a two-factor design, with a type of text as a within-subjects factor and media presentation (paper, Kindle, and VR) as a between-subjects factor. The primary dependent variable was the efficacy for the reading comprehension.
David-Duo Wang 