The development and validation of the ARI questionnaire: An instrument for measuring immersion in location-based augmented reality settings. Issue 98 (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Georgiou, Yiannis; Kyza, Eleni A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of human-computer studies. Issue 98(2017)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Immersion -- Augmented reality -- Location-aware applications -- Questionnaire development -- ARI questionnaire; Human-machine systems -- Periodicals; Systems engineering -- Periodicals; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Human engineering; Human-machine systems; Systems engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2016.09.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1071-5819

Abstract

Abstract: Location-aware Augmented Reality (AR) applications are often argued to provide users with immersive experiences that are situated in the real world. Immersion, which can be seen as a form of cognitive and emotional absorption, has been asserted to promote enjoyment, engagement in a task and even learning. However, such claims remain largely unsubstantiated due to the lack of validated instruments for measuring users' immersion in location-based AR environments. Attempts to develop validated instruments for evaluating immersion have been few and non-systematic, while existing instruments are oriented towards measuring immersion in the context of non-AR digital games. At the same time, studies seeking to operationalize and measure immersion are still inconclusive; even though immersion is considered as a multi-level psychological construct, it is not yet clear whether there is multidimensionality in each level or not. The present study describes the development and validation of the ARI [Augmented Reality Immersion] questionnaire: an instrument for measuring immersion in AR location-aware settings. To achieve this goal, a multi-step process was employed to develop and validate a novel instrument; analyses included exploratory factor analysis with 202 high school students, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis with 162 high school students. This multi-step process resulted in a 21-item, seven-point Likert-type instrument with satisfactory construct validity, which is based on a multi-leveled model of immersion with multidimensionality in each level. We argue that the ARI questionnaire, as a validated and tested measurement, can be highly useful for researchers and designers in the field of location-based AR. Highlights: A novel questionnaire for measuring immersion in location-based AR is presented. The ARI questionnaire has been shown to have satisfactory reliability and validity. The data suggest a hierarchical and multi-level model of immersion. The questionnaire can establish participants' immersion level in location-based AR. The ARI questionnaire can contribute to improved location-aware AR designs.