Exploring the Encoding Specificity Principle and Context-Dependent Recognition in Virtual Reality

Abstract

A virtual reality (VR) training system’s effectiveness is determined by how well the knowledge-and skills-gained in the virtual environment transfers to real-world performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of virtual reality training by comparing semantic memorization in congruent (e.g., memorization task in VR and recognition task in VR) versus incongruent environments (e.g., memorization task in VR and recognition task in the real word). In the present study, we semi replicated Godden and Baddeley’s 1980 study on context-dependent recognition memory by using a photorealistic virtual reality environment in place of the underwater, scuba environment. Results revealed participants that learned semantic information in the virtual environment performed highly on the memory recognition task in the material, real-world environment (and vice versa). These findings replicate and extend Godden and Baddeley’s original results and provide evidence for the use of VR training to support semantic-based knowledge transfer.