University of Twente Student Theses
Investigating people's intention to use virtual reality in the context of victim-offender mediation using the UTAUT model
Bernhard, J. P. (2019) Investigating people's intention to use virtual reality in the context of victim-offender mediation using the UTAUT model.
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| Abstract: | Background: Victim-Offender Mediation (VOM) is a known restorative justice solution around the world. However, not many victims are participating in this form of mediation. This is often due to insecurities towards the offender and lack of preparation for mediation. Here, Virtual Reality (VR) is expected to be a solution that could help to enhance participation. In clinical cases, VR has been shown to help clients to overcome their fear, get more comfortable and familiar with specific situations. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the factors that lead people to try VR in this context. Thereby, performance expectancy and social support were expected to be positively related and effort expectancy was expected to be negatively related to the behavioral intention to use the system. The variables were derived from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. In addition, age and gender were expected to moderate this relationship. Methods: A convenience sample of 97 people who participated in the online study about using VR in the context of VOM was taken. Participants imagined being a victim of a given scenario. Afterwards, they got information about the possibility to participate in VOM. Further, they got insights into a VR application that would get them acquainted with VOM. Questions asked were meant to measure the mentioned independent variables and the dependent variable. Results: Analysis revealed that performance expectancy and social support were, as expected, positive predictors for the intention to use VR. Yet, fear, the indication to actually meet the researcher to try VR in VOM and the wish to participate in VOM were all positive predictors as well. Moreover, men who have more social support were found to be more inclined to use VR for VOM than women who have more social support. Conclusion: Overall, this research was a first step towards the use of VR in the context of VOM and shows that people who think they would perform well with the application and people who imagine that significant others would think using the VR system is a good idea are more inclined to use such an intervention. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/78178 |
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