Exploring the validity of using immersive virtual reality technology on perceived danger in environmental experiences

The level of perceived danger crucially affects environmental quality. While photos were the primary media used in the literature to measure perceived danger, photos only reflect a small portion of the overall environmental experiences. Researchers are currently exploring the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) technology to enhance immersion and measure perceived danger by presenting a comprehensive environmental experience. Therefore, this study aims to explore the validity of using IVR technology to measure perceived danger and compare it with traditional photo media. This study compared the ratings of perceived danger at the same sites with different media of stimulus: on-site, photo, and IVR. Furthermore, the evaluations were conducted in the daytime and nighttime, with each subject being assigned to only one period. The results revealed differences between the evaluations from photo and on-site, but no significant differences were found between on-site and IVR. Thus, using IVR to present experimental stimuli may offer a more realistic assessment of perceived danger than using photos. The findings confirm the validity of using IVR technology for measuring perceived danger and are useful for future research on perceived danger.