A Constructionist Cognitive Model of Presence
David Nuñez · 2004
This paper proposes a cognitive model of presence which emphasizes the interaction of top-down and bottom-up processes, and the subsequent creation of temporary representations of an environment in working memory. These temporary representations (which are termed constructions) are formations of meaning about the environment, which allow a subject to make inferences and interact in that environment. This paper argues that this constructionist position follows from the existence of hypothesis selection models of presence such as proposed by Slater & Steed. Finally, the paper contrasts this model to that of Wirth et al and discusses some of the implications of this model for presence in unfamiliar or unrealistic environments.