Physical Presence during Moral Action in Immersive Virtual Reality

Research on morality has focused differences in moral judgment and action. In this study, we investigated self-reported reasoning after a hypothetical dilemma was presented paper, that very same experienced immersive virtual reality (IVR). We asked open-ended questions used content analysis to determine sample of 107 participants. found participants referred significantly more often abstract principles consequences for themselves (i.e., it is against the law) paper-based compared IVR dilemma. people involved not wanting hurt particular person). This supports separate process theory, suggesting decision action might be different concepts with foci regarding reasoning. Using simulated scenarios thus seems essential as illustrates possible mechanisms empathy altruism being relevant actions especially given physical presence humans IVR.