Logo image
Is Learning and Memory Different in a Virtual Environment?
Journal article

Is Learning and Memory Different in a Virtual Environment?

Robert J Matheis, Maria T Schultheis, Lana A Tiersky, John DeLuca, Scott R Millis and Albert Rizzo
Clinical neuropsychologist, v 21(1), pp 146-161
31 Jan 2007
PMID: 17366282

Abstract

Learning and memory Ecological validity Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Virtual reality (VR) Neuropsychological assessment
It has been suggested that virtual reality may provide a medium for producing neuropsychological measures with greater ecological validity. The present study examined the usefulness of virtual reality (VR) to assess learning and memory in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A total of 20 TBI participants were compared with 20 healthy controls on their ability to learn and recall 16 target items presented within a VR-based generic office environment. The results indicated that VR memory testing accurately distinguished the TBI group from controls. Additionally, non-memory-impaired TBI participants acquired targets at the same rate as HC participants. Finally, there was a significant relationship between the VR Office and a standard neuropsychological measure of memory, suggesting the construct validity of the task. These findings suggest that the VR Office provides a viable medium for measuring learning and memory. The present results provide preliminary support for the ecological validity of the VR Office, which ultimately can improve assessment of real-world functioning following TBI.

Metrics

16 Record Views
124 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Clinical Neurology
Psychology
Psychology, Clinical
Logo image