Journal article
Exploring neural efficiency in spatial cognition: A comparative study of 3D visual stimuli in virtual reality across STEM and non-STEM fields
Behavioural brain research, v 477, 115288
04 Feb 2025
PMID: 39396576
Abstract
Spatial cognition plays a crucial role in our daily lives. The relationship between spatial abilities and mathematical performance is well-established, with visuospatial training offering significant benefits in academic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. Developing visuospatial training requires an objective evaluation of spatial cognition and consideration of various 3D displays. This study aims to compare the neural efficiency of STEM and non-STEM individuals during mental rotation tasks (MRT) in 3D and 2.5D conditions (pseudo 3D) using virtual reality (VR). For that, we propose a novel integrative assessment of spatial cognition by combining a cost-effective VR headset and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Overall, the findings reveal that STEM individuals exhibit greater neural efficiency in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) while solving MRT in a VR environment compared to their non-STEM counterparts. Additionally, the study shows that there is no significant difference in performance between 3D and 2.5D stimuli, suggesting that both conditions are equally suitable for MRT in VR. One possible explanation is that immersive VR reduces the distinctions between 3D models and 2.5D images, considering MRT scores and PFC activity. This research underscores the practicality and relevance of using VR and fNIRS to evaluate visuospatial tasks and the potential to identify distinct student learning profiles and enhance spatial skills. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of 2.5D stimuli as a cost-effective alternative for learning applications in VR. Here, we demonstrated that modeling the same task in 3D and 2.5D conditions can compare how humans interact with visuospatial tests, providing insights into applying VR devices to develop spatial skills.
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Details
- Title
- Exploring neural efficiency in spatial cognition: A comparative study of 3D visual stimuli in virtual reality across STEM and non-STEM fields
- Creators
- Raimundo da Silva Soares Jr (Corresponding Author) - Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Math Comp & Cognit, Sao Bernardo Do Campo, BrazilAmanda Yumi Ambriola Oku - Universidade Federal do ABCCandida S. F. Barreto - Drexel UniversityJoao Ricardo Sato - Universidade Federal do ABC
- Publication Details
- Behavioural brain research, v 477, 115288
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- 2023/16997-6; 2023/02538-0; 2021/05332-8; 2018/21934-5; 2018/04654-9; 2023/13418-5; 2019/17907-5 / Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP); Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC) 001 / Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cognition at the Universidade Federal do ABC
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Science
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001340060400001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85206684201
- Other Identifier
- 991022197419304721