Virtual reality and neuropsychological assessment: an analysis of human factors influencing performance and perceived mental effort

This study aimed to compare a neuropsychological test tapping into executive control function, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), performed in either traditional paper-and-pencil (PP) or virtual reality (VR) modality, and determine role of human factors (i.e., sense presence, cybersickness, field (in)dependence video game experience) as contributors performance perceived mental effort. Indeed, if assessment might bring ecological dimension controlled laboratory research, it is often suggested that bias performance. WCST its associated effort were compared between two modalities (N = 107). In VR modality 52), correlation matrix was conducted well cluster analysis order build experimental groups, profiles, based on their subjective experience VR. then these groups while controlling for age education. Results outlined similar PP modalities. However, when comparing results suggest an unfavorable profile VR, i.e., less more visual dependence experience, with greater These findings enable outlining new conceptual methodological framework task could help users take consideration fully exploit predict benefits this tool.