Spatial Ability Testing with Augmented Reality

This paper reports on research in spatial ability testing comparing traditional 2D test instrument images with hybrid testing involving augmented virtual reality images.Augmented reality involves the combination of virtual reality displays with real world environments.Nonimmersive virtual reality systems are becoming popular in many industries and across many applications such as scientific visualization, product development, and interactive entertainment.The goal of this research was to examine the potential impact of augmented reality technology on the successful completion of a standardized visualization test instrument.Participants in the study were students enrolled in an introductory engineering design graphics course at a Midwestern university.Two test groups were organized from the students in the class, one control and one treatment.The control group completed the standard Vandenberg Mental Rotations Test, with static images displayed on computer workstation monitors.The participants received 90 seconds to answer each question on the test.The treatment group received identical test questions but viewed the object as a 3D augmented reality image that was slowly rotated through one revolution.The participants in this group also received 90 seconds to answer each question on the test.Quantitative and qualitative results were recorded for the study.Future research plans are discussed as well as lessons learned from this augmented reality application.