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Palombi T, Galli F, Giancamilli F, D'Amico M, Alivernini F, Gallo L, Neroni P, Predazzi M, De Pietro G, Lucidi F, Giordano A, Chirico A. The role of sense of presence in expressing cognitive abilities in a virtual reality task: an initial validation study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13396. [PMID: 37591908 PMCID: PMC10435488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a raised interest in literature to use Virtual Reality (VR) technology as an assessment tool for cognitive domains. One of the essential advantages of transforming tests in an immersive virtual environment is the possibility of automatically calculating the test's score, a time-consuming process under natural conditions. Although the characteristics of VR can deliver different degrees of immersion in a virtual environment, the sense of presence could jeopardize the evolution of these practices. The sense of presence results from a complex interaction between human, contextual factors, and the VR environment. The present study has two aims: firstly, it contributes to the validation of a virtual version of the naturalistic action test (i.e., virtual reality action test); second, it aims to evaluate the role of sense of presence as a critical booster of the expression of cognitive abilities during virtual reality tasks. The study relies on healthy adults tested in virtual and real conditions in a cross-over research design. The study's results support the validity of the virtual reality action test. Furthermore, two structural equation models are tested to comprehend the role of sense of presence as a moderator in the relationship between cognitive abilities and virtual task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Palombi
- Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Galli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome, Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Giancamilli
- Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica D'Amico
- Department of Clinical Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Alivernini
- Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Gallo
- Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Neroni
- Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe De Pietro
- Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Lucidi
- Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Chirico
- Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Hsu WY, Anguera JA, Rizzo A, Campusano R, Chiaravalloti ND, DeLuca J, Gazzaley A, Bove RM. A virtual reality program to assess cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1139316. [PMID: 37007676 PMCID: PMC10060881 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1139316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cognitive impairment is a debilitating symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Most of the neuropsychological tasks have little resemblance to everyday life. There is a need for ecologically valid tools for assessing cognition in real-life functional contexts in MS. One potential solution would involve the use of virtual reality (VR) to exert finer control over the task presentation environment; however, VR studies in the MS population are scarce.Objectives: To explore the utility and feasibility of a VR program for cognitive assessment in MS.Methods: A VR classroom embedded with a continuous performance task (CPT) was assessed in 10 non-MS adults and 10 people with MS with low cognitive functioning. Participants performed the CPT with distractors (i.e., WD) and without distractors (i.e., ND). The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test—II (CVLT-II), and a feedback survey on the VR program was administered.Results: People with MS exhibited greater reaction time variability (RTV) compared to non-MS participants, and greater RTV in both WD and ND conditions was associated with lower SDMT.Conclusions: VR tools warrant further research to determine their value as an ecologically valid platform for assessing cognition and everyday functioning in people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Hsu
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joaquin A. Anguera
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Albert Rizzo
- Institute for Creative Studies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Richard Campusano
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nancy D. Chiaravalloti
- Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - John DeLuca
- Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Riley M. Bove
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Foldes ST, Jensen AR, Jacobson A, Vassall S, Foldes E, Guthery A, Brown D, Levine T, Tyler WJ, Frye RE. Transdermal Electrical Neuromodulation for Anxiety and Sleep Problems in High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Feasibility and Preliminary Findings. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1307. [PMID: 34945779 PMCID: PMC8704341 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with anxiety and sleep problems. We investigated transdermal electrical neuromodulation (TEN) of the cervical nerves in the neck as a safe, effective, comfortable and non-pharmacological therapy for decreasing anxiety and enhancing sleep quality in ASD. METHODS In this blinded, sham-controlled study, seven adolescents and young adults with high-functioning ASD underwent five consecutive treatment days, one day of the sham followed by four days of subthreshold TEN for 20 min. Anxiety-provoking cognitive tasks were performed after the sham/TEN. Measures of autonomic nervous system activity, including saliva α-amylase and cortisol, electrodermal activity, and heart rate variability, were collected from six participants. RESULTS Self-rated and caretaker-rated measures of anxiety were significantly improved with TEN treatment as compared to the sham, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large depending on the rating scale. Sleep scores from caretaker questionnaires also improved, but not significantly. Performance on two of the three anxiety-provoking cognitive tasks and heart rate variability significantly improved with TEN stimulation as compared to the sham. Four of the seven (57%) participants were responders, defined as a ≥ 30% improvement in self-reported anxiety. Salivary α-amylase decreased with more TEN sessions and decreased from the beginning to the end of the session on TEN days for responders. TEN was well-tolerated without significant adverse events. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence that TEN is well-tolerated in individuals with ASD and can improve anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T. Foldes
- Division of Research, Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA; (S.T.F.); (A.J.); (D.B.)
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurologic Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
- School of Biological and Health Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Amanda R. Jensen
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA;
| | - Austin Jacobson
- Division of Research, Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA; (S.T.F.); (A.J.); (D.B.)
| | - Sarah Vassall
- Division of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA;
| | - Emily Foldes
- Speech and Hearing Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Ann Guthery
- Division of Psychiatry, Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA; (A.G.); (T.L.)
| | - Danni Brown
- Division of Research, Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA; (S.T.F.); (A.J.); (D.B.)
| | - Todd Levine
- Division of Psychiatry, Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA; (A.G.); (T.L.)
| | - William James Tyler
- School of Biological and Health Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA;
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Wu J, Song S, Whang CH. Personalizing 3D virtual fashion stores: Exploring modularity with a typology of atmospherics based on user input. INFORMATION & MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.im.2021.103461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Parsons T, Duffield T. Paradigm Shift Toward Digital Neuropsychology and High-Dimensional Neuropsychological Assessments: Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e23777. [PMID: 33325829 PMCID: PMC7773516 DOI: 10.2196/23777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychologists in the digital age have increasing access to emerging technologies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiatives for behavioral and social sciences have emphasized these developing scientific and technological potentials (eg, novel sensors) for augmented characterization of neurocognitive, behavioral, affective, and social processes. Perhaps these innovative technologies will lead to a paradigm shift from disintegrated and data-poor behavioral science to cohesive and data-rich science that permits improved translation from bench to bedside. The 4 main advances influencing the scientific priorities of a recent NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research strategic plan include the following: integration of neuroscience into behavioral and social sciences, transformational advances in measurement science, digital intervention platforms, and large-scale population cohorts and data integration. This paper reviews these opportunities for novel brain-behavior characterizations. Emphasis is placed on the increasing concern of neuropsychology with these topics and the need for development in these areas to maintain relevance as a scientific discipline and advance scientific developments. Furthermore, the effects of such advancements necessitate discussion and modification of training as well as ethical and legal mandates for neuropsychological research and praxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Parsons
- Computational Neuropsychology & Simulation, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | - Tyler Duffield
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Parsons TD, Duffield T. National Institutes of Health initiatives for advancing scientific developments in clinical neuropsychology. Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 33:246-270. [PMID: 30760117 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1523465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current review briefly addresses the history of neuropsychology as a context for discussion of developmental milestones that have advanced the profession, as well as areas where the progression has lagged. More recently in the digital/information age, utilization and incorporation of emerging technologies has been minimal, which has stagnated ongoing evolution of the practice of neuropsychology despite technology changing many aspects of daily living. These authors advocate for embracing National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiatives, or interchangeably referred to as transformative opportunities, for the behavioral and social sciences. These initiatives address the need for neuropsychologists to transition from fragmented and data-poor approaches to integrated and data-rich scientific approaches that ultimately improve translational applications. Specific to neuropsychology is the need for the adoption of novel means of brain-behavior characterizations. METHOD Narrative review Conclusions: Clinical neuropsychology has reached a developmental plateau where it is ready to embrace the measurement science and technological advances which have been readily adopted by the human neurosciences. While there are ways in which neuropsychology is making inroads into these areas, a great deal of growth is needed to maintain relevance as a scientific discipline (see Figures 1, 2, and 3) consistent with NIH initiatives to advance scientific developments. Moreover, implications of such progress require discussion and modification of training, ethical, and legal mandates of the practice of neuropsychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Parsons
- a NetDragon Digital Research Centre , Denton , Texas.,b Computational Neuropsychology and Simulation (CNS) Laboratory , Denton , Texas.,c College of Information , Denton , Texas
| | - Tyler Duffield
- d Department of Family/Sports Medicine , Oregon Health and Science University , Portland , Oregon , USA
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Corriveau Lecavalier N, Ouellet É, Boller B, Belleville S. Use of immersive virtual reality to assess episodic memory: A validation study in older adults. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2018; 30:462-480. [PMID: 29807474 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2018.1477684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) allows for the creation of ecological environments that could be used for cognitive assessment and intervention. This study comprises two parts that describe and assess an immersive VR task, the Virtual Shop, which can be used to measure episodic memory. Part 1 addresses its applicability in healthy older adults by measuring presence, motivation, and cybersickness symptoms. Part 2 addresses its construct validity by investigating correlations between performance in the VR task and on a traditional experimental memory task, and by measuring whether the VR task is sensitive to age-related memory differences. Fifty-seven older and 20 younger adults were assessed in the Virtual Shop, in which they memorised and fetched 12 familiar items. Part 1 showed high levels of presence, higher levels of motivation for the VR than for the traditional task, and negligible cybersickness symptoms. Part 2 indicates that memory performance in the VR task is positively correlated with performance on a traditional memory task for both age groups, and age-related differences were found on the VR and traditional memory tasks. Thus, the use of VR is feasible in older adults and the Virtual Shop is a valid task to assess and train episodic memory in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Corriveau Lecavalier
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Émilie Ouellet
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Benjamin Boller
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvie Belleville
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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Ouellet É, Boller B, Corriveau-Lecavalier N, Cloutier S, Belleville S. The Virtual Shop: A new immersive virtual reality environment and scenario for the assessment of everyday memory. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 303:126-135. [PMID: 29581009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing and predicting memory performance in everyday life is a common assignment for neuropsychologists. However, most traditional neuropsychological tasks are not conceived to capture everyday memory performance. NEW METHOD The Virtual Shop is a fully immersive task developed to assess memory in a more ecological way than traditional neuropsychological assessments. Two studies were undertaken to assess the feasibility of the Virtual Shop and to appraise its ecological and construct validity. In study 1, 20 younger and 19 older adults completed the Virtual Shop task to evaluate its level of difficulty and the way the participants interacted with the VR material. The construct validity was examined with the contrasted-group method, by comparing the performance of younger and older adults. In study 2, 35 individuals with subjective cognitive decline completed the Virtual Shop task. Performance was correlated with an existing questionnaire evaluating everyday memory in order to appraise its ecological validity. To add further support to its construct validity, performance was correlated with traditional episodic memory and executive tasks. RESULTS All participants successfully completed the Virtual Shop. The task had an appropriate level of difficulty that helped differentiate younger and older adults, supporting the feasibility and construct validity of the task. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The performance on the Virtual Shop was significantly and moderately correlated with the performance on the questionnaire and on the traditional memory and executive tasks. CONCLUSIONS Results support the feasibility and both the ecological and construct validity of the Virtual Shop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Ouellet
- Research Center, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3W 1W5; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2V 2S9.
| | - Benjamin Boller
- Research Center, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3W 1W5; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 2008A Michel-Sarrazin, 3351 boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada, G8Z 4M3.
| | - Nick Corriveau-Lecavalier
- Research Center, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3W 1W5; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2V 2S9.
| | - Simon Cloutier
- Research Center, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3W 1W5; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2V 2S9.
| | - Sylvie Belleville
- Research Center, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3W 1W5; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2V 2S9.
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Neguț A, Jurma AM, David D. Virtual-reality-based attention assessment of ADHD: ClinicaVR: Classroom-CPT versus a traditional continuous performance test. Child Neuropsychol 2016; 23:692-712. [PMID: 27258210 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2016.1186617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Virtual-reality-based assessment may be a good alternative to classical or computerized neuropsychological assessment due to increased ecological validity. ClinicaVR: Classroom-CPT (VC) is a neuropsychological test embedded in virtual reality that is designed to assess attention deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other conditions associated with impaired attention. The present study aimed to (1) investigate the diagnostic validity of VC in comparison to a traditional continuous performance test (CPT), (2) explore the task difficulty of VC, (3) address the effect of distractors on the performance of ADHD participants and typically-developing (TD) controls, and (4) compare the two measures on cognitive absorption. A total of 33 children diagnosed with ADHD and 42 TD children, aged between 7 and 13 years, participated in the study and were tested with a traditional CPT or with VC, along with several cognitive measures and an adapted version of the Cognitive Absorption Scale. A mixed multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) revealed that the children with ADHD performed worse on correct responses had more commissions and omissions errors than the TD children, as well as slower target reaction times . The results showed significant differences between performance in the virtual environment and the traditional computerized one, with longer reaction times in virtual reality. The data analysis highlighted the negative influence of auditory distractors on attention performance in the case of the children with ADHD, but not for the TD children. Finally, the two measures did not differ on the cognitive absorption perceived by the children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Neguț
- a Evidence-based Assessment and Psychological Interventions Doctoral School, The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health , Babeș-Bolyai University , Cluj-Napoca , Romania
| | - Anda Maria Jurma
- b Neuroscience Department , Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy , Timișoara , Romania
| | - Daniel David
- c Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy , Babeș-Bolyai University , Cluj-Napoca , Romania.,d Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
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Reheating breakfast: Age and multitasking on a computer-based and a non-computer-based task. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Neguţ A, Matu SA, Sava FA, David D. Task difficulty of virtual reality-based assessment tools compared to classical paper-and-pencil or computerized measures: A meta-analytic approach. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Parsons TD. Virtual Reality for Enhanced Ecological Validity and Experimental Control in the Clinical, Affective and Social Neurosciences. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:660. [PMID: 26696869 PMCID: PMC4675850 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An essential tension can be found between researchers interested in ecological validity and those concerned with maintaining experimental control. Research in the human neurosciences often involves the use of simple and static stimuli lacking many of the potentially important aspects of real world activities and interactions. While this research is valuable, there is a growing interest in the human neurosciences to use cues about target states in the real world via multimodal scenarios that involve visual, semantic, and prosodic information. These scenarios should include dynamic stimuli presented concurrently or serially in a manner that allows researchers to assess the integrative processes carried out by perceivers over time. Furthermore, there is growing interest in contextually embedded stimuli that can constrain participant interpretations of cues about a target’s internal states. Virtual reality environments proffer assessment paradigms that combine the experimental control of laboratory measures with emotionally engaging background narratives to enhance affective experience and social interactions. The present review highlights the potential of virtual reality environments for enhanced ecological validity in the clinical, affective, and social neurosciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Parsons
- Computational Neuropsychology and Simulation Lab, Department of Psychology, University of North Texas Denton, TX, USA
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Cognitive evaluation by tasks in a virtual reality environment in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2015; 359:94-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Parsons TD, Carlew AR, Magtoto J, Stonecipher K. The potential of function-led virtual environments for ecologically valid measures of executive function in experimental and clinical neuropsychology. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2015; 27:777-807. [PMID: 26558491 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2015.1109524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of executive functions is an integral task of neuropsychological assessment. Traditional measures of executive function are often based on hypothetical constructs that may have little relevance to real-world behaviours. In fact, some traditional tests utilised today were not originally developed for clinical use. Recently, researchers have been arguing for a new generation of "function-led" neuropsychological assessments that are developed from directly observable everyday behaviours. Although virtual environments (VEs) have been presented as potential aides in enhancing ecological validity, many were modelled on construct-driven approaches found in traditional assessments. In the current paper, we review construct-driven and function-led VE-based neuropsychological assessments of executive functions. Overall, function-led VEs best represent the sorts of tasks needed for enhanced ecological validity and prediction of real-world functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Parsons
- a Computational Neuropsychology and Simulation, Department of Psychology , University of North Texas , Denton , USA
| | - Anne R Carlew
- a Computational Neuropsychology and Simulation, Department of Psychology , University of North Texas , Denton , USA
| | - Jonlih Magtoto
- a Computational Neuropsychology and Simulation, Department of Psychology , University of North Texas , Denton , USA
| | - Kiefer Stonecipher
- a Computational Neuropsychology and Simulation, Department of Psychology , University of North Texas , Denton , USA
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Schuster RM, Mermelstein RJ, Hedeker D. Acceptability and feasibility of a visual working memory task in an ecological momentary assessment paradigm. Psychol Assess 2015; 27:1463-70. [PMID: 25894710 DOI: 10.1037/pas0000138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychological performance has historically been measured in laboratory settings using standardized assessments. However, these methods may be inherently limited in generalizability. This concern may be mitigated with paradigms such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA). We evaluated the initial feasibility and acceptability of administering a visual working memory (VWM) task on handheld computers across 1 EMA study week among adolescents/young adults (N = 39). Participants also completed standardized laboratory neurocognitive measures to determine the extent to which EMA VWM performance mapped onto scores obtained in traditional testing environments. Compliance with the EMA protocol was high as participants responded to 87% of random prompts across the study week. As expected, EMA VWM performance was positively associated with laboratory measures of auditory and VWM, and these relationships persisted after adjusting for predicted intelligence. Further, discriminant validity tests showed that EMA VWM was not linked with laboratory scores of verbal abilities and processing speed. These data provide initial evidence on the convergent and discriminant validity of interpretations from this novel, ecologically valid neurocognitive approach. Future studies will aim to further establish the psychometric properties of this (and similar) tasks and investigate how momentary fluctuations in VWM correspond with contextual influences (e.g., substance use, mood) and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin J Mermelstein
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Donald Hedeker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
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