How Self-Confidence and Gender Shape Training Experience in Mixed Reality: A Case Study in Flight Simulator Training

Mixed Reality (MR) is increasingly used in simulation-based training, where the goal is to provide realistic task environments without the cost and risk of real operations. However, although MR simulators are widely used in training contexts, there is limited evidence on how self-confidence and gender shape the experience of using these systems, even though prior literature suggests that these factors play important roles in engagement with training tasks. This study examines how self-confidence and gender influence learning experiences. The performance of sixteen participants was monitored in an MR-based flight simulator before they completed subjective ratings of self-confidence and other User Experience (UX) indices. The result shows that self-confidence level differed significantly between genders and was negatively associated with Situation Awareness and User Satisfaction. The paper discusses implications for improving the user experience in an MR learning environment, such as using confidence-aware guidance.