Virtual Reality as a New Research Tool for the Study of Human Memory

Abstract

The advent of virtual environments (VEs) has given us a new kind of tool for the studies of cognitive issues. In order to develop a satisfactory research methodology, we need to know more about the implication of human factors interacting with virtual reality. Rules of both physical motoric interfaces and visual displays on cognitive function as memory are not completely clear. In this study, two groups of 16 subjects performed two different memory tasks. The first group carried out the tasks in an immersive VE; the other on a normal computer display. Results showed no difference between groups in object location tasks. Subjects in immersive virtual condition performed less efficiently than the subsequent group in object recognition tasks. Results suggest that human factor concerning motoric and visual interfaces can affect human performance in VE. Inadequate interfaces can explain when there is a lack of enhancement in immersive visual display.