| Multisensory, dynamic, stimulus environments can be developed with virtual environment (VE) technology. These environments, which provide the illusion of interaction in three-dimensional (3D) space, can record behavioral responses millisecond by millisecond. As these systems advance, they may serve to augment current neuropsychological assessment (NA) and cognitive rehabilitation (CR) tools through enhanced ecological validity. In response to the need for improved NAICR tools, researchers at the University of Southern California developed the VE Spatial System, which utilizes a 3D projection-based ImmersaDesktm. This system assesses a range of visuospatial skills including visual field-specific reaction time, depth perception, field dependency, and spatial rotation. The first goal of this study was to assess the usability of the system with a sample of nonimpaired older adults. Observational methods as well as statistical analysis of a pre- and post-VE exposure measure of simulator sickness yielded encouraging results. The second goal was to provide an in depth analysis of the psychometric properties of one subtest from the system, the Virtual Spatial Rotation Test (VSRT). Findings suggested that the VSRT is indeed a reliable instrument. Analysis of concurrent validity suggested that the VSRT is a high level spatial task, which requires skills such as attention to visual detail, ability to manipulate objects visually, and logical analysis. Finally, interrelationships between the VSRT and select subtests from the VE Spatial System were examined along with the underlying factor structure of the VE Spatial System. |
