Research Purpose

During the Coronavirus pandemic, much attention has been given to physical distance measurements, such as instructing individuals to stay 6 feet apart. Tied to the pandemic, safety concerns have risen and created a sense of anxiety in those who are concerned about contracting the disease.

Many of these individuals may experience anxiety around others in both private and public places (CDC, 2020). Given the research relating to strangers and the perception of threat, it is plausible to think in terms of these same mechanisms and apply them to the pandemic.

The introduction of masks has aimed to decrease this anxiety and improve the safety of others while in public spaces, but research has not tested whether masks will impact distance perception of individuals.

The current study tested distance perception using images of virtual characters presented on a desktop computer or mobile phone. Specifically, the effect of mask-wearing and familiarity on distance estimation was addressed.

Hypotheses

1) A person depicted as not wearing a mask would be perceived as closer than someone depicted as wearing a mask.

2) Strangers would be perceived as being closer than someone who was familiar.