Department of Communication Celebrates Milestone: 100th Participant in Oculus Research Lab

The Department of Communication reached a significant milestone on February 27, 2024, as it marked the completion of its 100th study participant in its Oculus Research Lab. The department's pioneering research in virtual reality (VR) has yielded two groundbreaking studies thus far.

The first study investigated the influence of personality traits and virtual reality on attitudes toward vaccinations and COVID safety. Following its success, the department embarked on a second study led by graduate student Ashlyne Crane that explores future travel intentions resulting from VR interactions with destinations. These studies represent the forefront of innovative research in communication and technology.

Associate Professor Dr. T. Phillip Madison emphasized the transformative potential of VR in communication, stating, "This is a wild time not only for exploring communication between people, but between organizations and their publics. In VR we see a convergence of traditional fields of communication such as advertising, public relations, broadcasting, journalism, and leadership communication – and it's just plain awesome."

Master's candidate Ashlyne Crane expressed enthusiasm for her involvement in running VR subjects, saying, “Being involved with running virtual reality subjects has been the highlight of my time spent within the Communication graduate program. It has given me unique skills and it’s something I’m very passionate about ... virtual reality will be an asset in our society for so many purposes, including developments to health, travel, education, training, marketing, entertainment, and so much more."

Graduate student and study participant Anna Beno shared her immersive experience with VR, remarking, "Putting on the VR headset was a new experience for me because I never tried one on before. It was fascinating because I felt as if I existed within this virtual realm and that everything was so real!"

As the Department of Communication continues to explore the vast possibilities of VR, more studies are on the horizon, promising further insights into human behavior and interaction.