Researching With Virtual Reality: Exploring the Methodological Affordances of VR for Sociotechnical Research and Implications for Technical and Professional Communication

Jason Tham

doi:10.1109/tpc.2024.3378850

IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication Jun 2024

Researching With Virtual Reality: Exploring the Methodological Affordances of VR for Sociotechnical Research and Implications for Technical and Professional Communication

Jason Tham Texas Tech University

Abstract

<italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Background: Virtual reality (VR) has been studied as a potential tool for preparing technical and professional communication (TPC) practitioners to contribute to emerging technologies. However, no present research in TPC has focused on the methodological value of VR as a sociotechnical research site. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the methodological value of VR by documenting the processes and methods employed by a student researcher in understanding the ways VR affect community building. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Literature review: Humanists have explored and theorized virtuality from various perspectives. Social researchers have explored the use of VR in multiple sectors. Yet, TPC has not established a steady agenda for studying VR as a research site. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Research questions: 1. What can we learn from a student researcher's experience of conducting social research in VR? 2. What were the methodological challenges in VR interviews? 3. How can TPC scholars use VR for research? <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Research methodology: Using ethnographic approaches including interviewing, affinity mapping, and reviewing of VR environments, this study collected insights about performing research with VR and its implications for TPC researchers. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Results: The study's participant shared their experience with using VR to conduct research. Five categorial themes were identified from the interview: interactivity, reach, usability, positionality, and tactics. Four VR applications were reviewed. Additional methodological strategies were discussed to prepare TPC practitioners for using VR as a research technology. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Conclusion: TPC researchers should consider VR as a viable research technology to expand the methodological means of TPC studies.

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Published: 2024-06-01
DOI: 10.1109/tpc.2024.3378850
CompPile: Search in CompPile ↗
Open Access: Closed
Topics: technical communication professional writing qualitative research affect and writing
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Researching With Virtual Reality: Exploring the Methodological Affordances of VR for Sociotechnical Research and Implications for Technical and Professional Communication

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