Emotional and Cognitive Empathy, Enjoyment and Ease of Use of a Virtual Reality Environment about Migration in Colombia

Authors

  • Jorge Bacca-Acosta Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Carrera 9bis # 62-43 110231, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Myriam Sierra-Puentes Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Carrera 9bis # 62-43 110231, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Cecilia Avila-Garzon Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Carrera 9bis # 62-43 110231, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Natalia Molina-Pinzon Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Carrera 9bis # 62-43 110231, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Guillermo Luigui Nieto Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Carrera 9bis # 62-43 110231, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Carol Torres-Urrea Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Carrera 9bis # 62-43 110231, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Juan Rodriguez-Velasquez Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Carrera 9bis # 62-43 110231, Bogotá, Colombia

Keywords:

Cognitive Empathy, Emotional Empathy, Virtual Reality, Migration, Enjoyment

Abstract

Virtual Reality environments have been used to build empathy in different contexts. However, research on empathy-driven virtual reality experiences for building empathy with migrants is still in its childhood. In this paper, we present the results of a comparative study between two virtual reality environments that show stories about migrants in Colombia (South America). In total, 47 university students participated in this study and a self-reported instrument was used to collect information about emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, enjoyment and perceived ease of use. The results suggest that virtual reality improves emotional empathy but not cognitive empathy. In particular, students of psychology show higher levels of emotional empathy than students of engineering. Moreover, enjoyment and ease of use are higher in immersive VR environments to build empathy when compared to less immersive VR environments.

Published

17-06-2023

How to Cite

Emotional and Cognitive Empathy, Enjoyment and Ease of Use of a Virtual Reality Environment about Migration in Colombia. (2023). Immersive Learning Research - Academic, 1(1), 516-525. https://publications.immersivelrn.org/index.php/academic/article/view/172

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