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Using a virtual maze task to assess spatial short-term memory in adults

Abstract:

In this paper, we present the Virtual Maze Task that assesses spatial short-term memory in adults involving physical movement and immersion. For physical movement, we used a real bicycle. For immersion, we used a VR HMD. We compared the exposure to the task using two different interaction types (physical active vs. physical inactive conditions). The performance and sensations of the participants were compared in both conditions. We also compared the performance on the virtual task with classical neuropsychological tests. A total of 89 adults participated in our study. The participants' ability to learn a route within the Virtual Maze Task was tested. Then, the participants assessed their experience scoring the following aspects: Interaction and satisfaction. The data were analyzed and we found no differences in satisfaction and interaction scores between the physical active and the physical inactive conditions. However, the condition used for interaction affected the score obtained in the task. There were also significant effects of gender and/or interaction used in other measures of performance on the task. Finally, the performance on the task correlated with the performance on other classical neuropsychological tests for the assessment of short-term memory and spatial memory.