Abstract

In this thesis the different ways of measuring time perception and effects of subjective time
distortion will be discussed. The theory of an internal clock, which is influenced by certain
stimuli, is one possible explanation for different time perceptions. The theory states, that
when presented a certain stimulus, the perception of time is speeding up. The goal of our
study is to measure the time perception of multiple participants in situations of acrophobia.
This was done in a virtual environment, which has the advantage of creating scenarios in an
easier and more controllable way – compared to “real life” experiments. As the experiment
takes place in virtual reality, it is also possible to measure more complex data such as brain
activity using electroencephalography (EEG). In our experiment we tracked time intervals,
which the participants produce. The experiment consists of three main actions: Staying,
Falling and Flying. The effect of those on the produced durations will be compared.
Furthermore, we analyzed possible connections to the EEG-Data and especially a connection
to the P3 potential. For each action the participants produced multiple durations (220
iterations in total). We measured short durations of time production when falling and flying
compared to standing. The effect for falling and flying also decreased over time. Also, the
participants performed a visual task, where the speed of the visual perception was tested.
The results of this sub-test were unexpected and will be discussed in the following. Also, the
comfort in virtual environments and the possible interaction methods (for example for
traveling) will be portrayed.

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