Virtual Reality Research Paper

BACKGROUND

The technology of virtual reality (electronic sensors and computer-generated images) creates new ultrarealistic worlds for people to explore. Seated at computers, in theaters, and at game arcades, wearing data gloves, headsets, or visors, participants can experience cyberspace. Virtual reality is used to train doctors, astronauts, and pilots to perform complex procedures; it is also used to provide recreational outlets. However, controversial and ethical questions over the use of virtual reality have emerged.

BROWSE FOR BOOKS ON THE SHELF USING THESE CALL NUMBERS

006–006.1

501.3

LOOK UNDER THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS IN THE CATALOG (CARD OR COMPUTER)

Virtual reality

Cybernetics

Human-computer interaction

REFERENCE MATERIALS THAT MAY HELP (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology, 1992.

The New Book of Popular Science. Grolier, 1994.

General encyclopedias

PERIODICAL INDEXES TO SEARCH (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

EBSCO Magazine Article Summaries

InfoTrac

NewsBank and other newspaper indexes

Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature

SIRS (Social Issues Resources Series)

WILSONDISC

ONLINE DATABASES TO SEARCH

America Online

CompuServe

Dialog

Internet

Prodigy
KEY WORDS AND DESCRIPTORS FOR PERIODICAL INDEX AND ONLINE SEARCHES

Virtual reality

VIDEOTAPES ON THIS TOPIC

Virtual Reality. Media Magic, 1990.

Wild Palms. ABC Video, 1993.

FICTION BOOKS RELATING TO TOPIC

Cross, Gillian. New World, 1995.

Hawke, Simon. The Whims of Creation, 1995.

Scott, Michael. Gemini, 1994.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, P.O. Box 717, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Virtual Environment/Teleoperator Research Consortium, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NARROWING THIS TOPIC

Comment on the use of virtual reality in the courtroom.

Discuss the moral and ethical aspects of using virtual reality technology.

Investigate the uses of virtual reality in industry, the military, the space program, or education.

Research virtual reality games; e.g., Doom, Dactyl Nightmare.

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELATED TOPICS

Computer graphics

Holograms

Interactive computer systems; e.g., interactive books

This RESEARCH TOPIC GUIDE is intended to help the library user find information and materials on a particular topic in many sources throughout the library. Resources on this topic are not limited to those described and availability will depend upon the individual library. Feel free to ask a librarian for assistance.