37 Making Connections (IntroPSYC and Innovation): Sensation, Perception, Virtual Reality, and Health
By Meghan E. Norris and Riley J.T. Bonar
In this unit, we continue learning about sensation and perception, taking a deep dive into vision.
Did you know that the psychological science of sensation and perception has direct relevance for topics including motion sickness and Virtual Reality (VR)? It’s true! You are learning content that psychological scientists, especially cognitive neurosciences, apply to innovate in VR. VR is more than just video games. VR can be used to improve performance across a number of contexts, and it can even be applied in therapy.
If this is an area that gets you excited, we invite you to watch this optional video where Dr. Misha Sra, director of the Human-AI Experience Lab at the University of California, Santa Barbara, talks about the importance of sensation and perception in the context of VR.
Virtual Reality is not the only application of topics related to sensation and perception. In the optional below video, Dr. Steven Rauch, Harvard Professor of Otolaryngology and Vestibular Division Chief at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear, discusses the neurobiology of topics such as motion sickness and balance. Importantly, he makes connections with experiences of patients who are struggling with balance-related issues. We invite you to watch if this is an area of interest for you!
If you are looking to learn more about research happening in the Department of Psychology that is tied to this content in the Department of Psychology at Queen’s University, Dr. Monica Castelhano, a professor of Cognitive Neuroscience in Queen’s Psychology, investigates how people perceive, explore, search through, and remember information from complex, natural stimuli (i.e., real-world scenes) using both behavioural and eye movement measures.
References
Rauch, S. (2019, April). Sense of balance: Truth AND consequences [Video]. TEDxKenmoreSquare. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ22MARE_k4
Sra, M. (2018, December 10). How to remote control a human being. TEDxBeaconStreetSalon [Video]. TEDxBeaconStreetSalon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4SLrr62N2M
How to cite this using APA Style:
Norris, M. E., & Bonar, R. J. T. (2026). Making connections (IntroPSYC and innovation): Sensation, perception, virtual reality, and health. In PSYC 100: Principles of psychology. eCampusOntario. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/testbookje/chapter/making-connections-intropsyc-and-innovation-sensation-perception-virtual-reality-and-health/
