Introduction
In this experiment, we aimed to investigate the impact of sensory deprivation and auditory stimulation on imagination and a feeling of escapism. Three participants were blindfolded and transported to an unfamiliar location. Once there, they were provided with headphones and instructed to explore the space using only their sense of touch. Various random objects were scattered throughout the area. During three separate rounds, different music themes were played through the headphones to assess if the participants would mentally visualize themselves in different rooms as they searched. By altering sensory inputs, our study sought to explore the relationship between imagination, sensory deprivation, and escapism.
Reactions of participants
Skyrim sleep playlist
Chia
“I feel like I am a warrior coming back from the battlefield and no one is home. My family is killed or kidnapped. It is epic.”
Julian
“The table was really low… so… I feel like… dwarfs live here.”
Mi
“The music makes me feel like I am in a different space. I am now in the cottage of a grandpapa with his grandchild.”
Jassy Upbeat Playlist
Chia
“The apartment of a woman who lives here alone and uses it as a multifunctional space.”
Julian
“I did not really imagine a space. I focussed more on the individual, scattered objects with their own characteristics.”
Mi
“It reminded me of one of the dorms from Harry Potter. A little, cozy room with soft materials where they drink tea.”
Whale Sound Playlist
Chia
“Something evil is here, I am in a laboratory where they are chasing me to do human experiments.”
Julian
“Do you know these underwater mario levels? Well, something like that.”
Mi
“I am in an abandoned house. There was a dry plant, the owner abandoned this sad plant as well.”
