scholarly journals Validation of the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL): An Immersive Virtual Reality Neuropsychological Battery with Enhanced Ecological Validity

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Simona Collina ◽  
Leonidas A.A. Doumas ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Administration Time ◽  
Paper And Pencil

Abstract Objective: The assessment of cognitive functions such as prospective memory, episodic memory, attention, and executive functions benefits from an ecologically valid approach to better understand how performance outcomes generalize to everyday life. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is considered capable of simulating real-life situations to enhance ecological validity. The present study attempted to validate the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive VR neuropsychological battery, against an extensive paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. Methods: Forty-one participants (21 females) were recruited: 18 gamers and 23 non-gamers who attended both an immersive VR and a paper-and-pencil testing session. Bayesian Pearson’s correlation analyses were conducted to assess construct and convergent validity of the VR-EAL. Bayesian t-tests were performed to compare VR and paper-and-pencil testing in terms of administration time, similarity to real-life tasks (i.e., ecological validity), and pleasantness. Results: VR-EAL scores were significantly correlated with their equivalent scores on the paper-and-pencil tests. The participants’ reports indicated that the VR-EAL tasks were significantly more ecologically valid and pleasant than the paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. The VR-EAL battery also had a shorter administration time. Conclusion: The VR-EAL appears as an effective neuropsychological tool for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions, which has enhanced ecological validity, a highly pleasant testing experience, and does not induce cybersickness.

scholarly journals Validation of the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL): An immersive virtual reality neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Simona Collina ◽  
Leonidas A. A. Doumas ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Administration Time ◽  
Paper And Pencil

Objective: The assessment of cognitive functions such as prospective memory, episodic memory, attention, and executive functions benefits from an ecologically valid approach to better understand how performance outcomes generalize to everyday life. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is considered capable of simulating real-life situations to enhance ecological validity. The present study attempted to validate the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive VR neuropsychological battery, against an extensive paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. Methods: Forty-one participants (21 females) were recruited: 18 gamers and 23 non-gamers who attended both an immersive VR and a paper-and-pencil testing session. Bayesian Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to assess construct and convergent validity of the VR-EAL. Bayesian t-tests were performed to compare VR and paper-and-pencil testing in terms of administration time, similarity to real life tasks (i.e., ecological validity), and pleasantness. Results: VR-EAL scores were significantly correlated with their equivalent scores on the paper-and-pencil tests. The participants’ reports indicated that the VR-EAL tasks were significantly more ecologically valid and pleasant than the paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. The VR-EAL battery also had a shorter administration time. Conclusion: The VR-EAL appears as an effective neuropsychological tool for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions, which has enhanced ecological validity, a highly pleasant testing experience, and does not induce cybersickness.

scholarly journals An ecologically valid examination of event-based and time-based prospective memory using immersive virtual reality: the influence of attention, memory, and executive function processes on real-world prospective memory.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Visuospatial Attention ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Research Paradigms ◽  
Planning Ability ◽  
Delayed Recognition ◽  
Event Based

Studies on prospective memory (PM) predominantly assess either event- or time-based PM by implementing non-ecological laboratory-based tasks. The results deriving from these paradigms have provided findings that are discrepant with ecologically valid research paradigms that converge on the complexity and cognitive demands of everyday tasks. The Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive virtual reality (VR) neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity, was implemented to assess everyday event- and time-based PM, as well as the influence of other cognitive functions on everyday PM functioning. The results demonstrated the importance of delayed recognition, planning, and visuospatial attention on everyday PM. Delayed recognition and planning ability were found to be central in event- and time-based PM respectively. In order of importance, delayed recognition, visuospatial attention speed, and planning ability were found to be involved in event-based PM functioning. Comparably, planning, visuospatial attention accuracy, delayed recognition, and multitasking/task-shifting ability were found to be involved in time-based PM functioning. These findings further suggest the importance of ecological validity in the study of PM, which may be achieved using immersive VR paradigms.

scholarly journals Immersive virtual reality methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology: Meeting the criteria of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
American Academy ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Clinical Neuropsychology ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Clinical Tools

Clinical tools involving immersive virtual reality (VR) may bring several advantages to cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. However, there are some technical and methodological pitfalls. The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) raised 8 key issues pertaining to Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment Devices. These issues pertain to: (1) the safety and effectivity; (2) the identity of the end-user; (3) the technical hardware and software features; (4) privacy and data security; (5) the psychometric properties; (6) examinee issues; (7) the use of reporting services; and (8) the reliability of the responses and results. The VR Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL) is the first immersive VR neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions by offering a pleasant testing experience without inducing cybersickness. The VR-EAL meets the criteria of the NAN and AACN, addresses the methodological pitfalls, and brings advantages for neuropsychological testing. However, there are still shortcomings of the VR-EAL, which should be addressed. Future iterations should strive to improve the embodiment illusion in VR-EAL and the creation of an open access VR software library should be attempted. The discussed studies demonstrate the utility of VR methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology.

scholarly journals Immersive virtual reality methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology: Meeting the criteria of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
American Academy ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Clinical Neuropsychology ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Clinical Tools

Clinical tools involving immersive virtual reality (VR) may bring several advantages to cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. However, there are some technical and methodological pitfalls. The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) raised 8 key issues pertaining to Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment Devices. These issues pertain to: (1) the safety and effectivity; (2) the identity of the end-user; (3) the technical hardware and software features; (4) privacy and data security; (5) the psychometric properties; (6) examinee issues; (7) the use of reporting services; and (8) the reliability of the responses and results. The VR Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL) is the first immersive VR neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions by offering a pleasant testing experience without inducing cybersickness. The VR-EAL meets the criteria of the NAN and AACN, addresses the methodological pitfalls, and brings advantages for neuropsychological testing. However, there are still shortcomings of the VR-EAL, which should be addressed. Future iterations should strive to improve the embodiment illusion in VR-EAL and the creation of an open access VR software library should be attempted. The discussed studies demonstrate the utility of VR methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology.

scholarly journals An ecologically valid examination of event-based and time-based prospective memory using immersive virtual reality: the influence of attention, memory, and executive function processes on real-world prospective memory.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Visuospatial Attention ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Research Paradigms ◽  
Planning Ability ◽  
Delayed Recognition ◽  
Event Based

Studies on prospective memory (PM) predominantly assess either event- or time-based PM by implementing non-ecological laboratory-based tasks. The results deriving from these paradigms have provided findings that are discrepant with ecologically valid research paradigms that converge on the complexity and cognitive demands of everyday tasks. The Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive virtual reality (VR) neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity, was implemented to assess everyday event- and time-based PM, as well as the influence of other cognitive functions on everyday PM functioning. The results demonstrated the importance of delayed recognition, planning, and visuospatial attention on everyday PM. Delayed recognition and planning ability were found to be central in event- and time-based PM respectively. In order of importance, delayed recognition, visuospatial attention speed, and planning ability were found to be involved in event-based PM functioning. Comparably, planning, visuospatial attention accuracy, delayed recognition, and multitasking/task-shifting ability were found to be involved in time-based PM functioning. These findings further suggest the importance of ecological validity in the study of PM, which may be achieved using immersive VR paradigms.

scholarly journals An ecologically valid examination of event-based and time-based prospective memory using immersive virtual reality: the influence of attention, memory, and executive function processes on real-world prospective memory.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Visuospatial Attention ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Research Paradigms ◽  
Planning Ability ◽  
Delayed Recognition ◽  
Event Based

Studies on prospective memory (PM) predominantly assess either event- or time-based PM by implementing non-ecological laboratory-based tasks. The results deriving from these paradigms have provided findings that are discrepant with ecologically valid research paradigms that converge on the complexity and cognitive demands of everyday tasks. The Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive virtual reality (VR) neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity, was implemented to assess everyday event- and time-based PM, as well as the influence of other cognitive functions on everyday PM functioning. The results demonstrated the importance of delayed recognition, planning, and visuospatial attention on everyday PM. Delayed recognition and planning ability were found to be central in event- and time-based PM respectively. In order of importance, delayed recognition, visuospatial attention speed, and planning ability were found to be involved in event-based PM functioning. Comparably, planning, visuospatial attention accuracy, delayed recognition, and multitasking/task-shifting ability were found to be involved in time-based PM functioning. These findings further suggest the importance of ecological validity in the study of PM, which may be achieved using immersive VR paradigms.

scholarly journals Immersive virtual reality methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology: Meeting the criteria of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
American Academy ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Clinical Neuropsychology ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Clinical Tools

Clinical tools involving immersive virtual reality (VR) may bring several advantages to cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. However, there are some technical and methodological pitfalls. The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) raised 8 key issues pertaining to Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment Devices. These issues pertain to: (1) the safety and effectivity; (2) the identity of the end-user; (3) the technical hardware and software features; (4) privacy and data security; (5) the psychometric properties; (6) examinee issues; (7) the use of reporting services; and (8) the reliability of the responses and results. The VR Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL) is the first immersive VR neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions by offering a pleasant testing experience without inducing cybersickness. The VR-EAL meets the criteria of the NAN and AACN, addresses the methodological pitfalls, and brings advantages for neuropsychological testing. However, there are still shortcomings of the VR-EAL, which should be addressed. Future iterations should strive to improve the embodiment illusion in VR-EAL and the creation of an open access VR software library should be attempted. The discussed studies demonstrate the utility of VR methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology.

scholarly journals How immersive virtual reality methods may meet the criteria of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology: A software review of the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
American Academy ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Clinical Neuropsychology ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Clinical Tools

Clinical tools involving immersive virtual reality (VR) may bring several advantages to cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. However, there are some technical and methodological pitfalls. The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) raised 8 key issues pertaining to Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment Devices. These issues pertain to: (1) the safety and effectivity; (2) the identity of the end-user; (3) the technical hardware and software features; (4) privacy and data security; (5) the psychometric properties; (6) examinee issues; (7) the use of reporting services; and (8) the reliability of the responses and results. The VR Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL) is the first immersive VR neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions by offering a pleasant testing experience without inducing cybersickness. The VR-EAL meets the criteria of the NAN and AACN, addresses the methodological pitfalls, and brings advantages for neuropsychological testing. However, there are still shortcomings of the VR-EAL, which should be addressed. Future iterations should strive to improve the embodiment illusion in VR-EAL and the creation of an open access VR software library should be attempted. The discussed studies demonstrate the utility of VR methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology.

scholarly journals Immersive Virtual Reality as an Effective Tool for Second Language Vocabulary Learning

Languages ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Legault ◽  
Jiayan Zhao ◽  
Ying-An Chi ◽  
Weitao Chen ◽  
Alexander Klippel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Significant Benefit ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Learning Condition ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
L2 Learning

Learning a second language (L2) presents a significant challenge to many people in adulthood. Platforms for effective L2 instruction have been developed in both academia and the industry. While real-life (RL) immersion is often lauded as a particularly effective L2 learning platform, little is known about the features of immersive contexts that contribute to the L2 learning process. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) offers a flexible platform to simulate an RL immersive learning situation, while allowing the researcher to have tight experimental control for stimulus delivery and learner interaction with the environment. Using a mixed counterbalanced design, the current study examines individual differences in L2 performance during learning of 60 Mandarin Chinese words across two learning sessions, with each participant learning 30 words in iVR and 30 words via word–word (WW) paired association. Behavioral performance was collected immediately after L2 learning via an alternative forced-choice recognition task. Our results indicate a main effect of L2 learning context, such that accuracy on trials learned via iVR was significantly higher as compared to trials learned in the WW condition. These effects are reflected especially in the differential effects of learning contexts, in that less successful learners show a significant benefit of iVR instruction as compared to WW, whereas successful learners do not show a significant benefit of either learning condition. Our findings have broad implications for L2 education, particularly for those who struggle in learning an L2.

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