Virtual reality Stroop task for assessment of supervisory attentional processing.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Neuroscience
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• The Stroop task is a standard measure of executive function and attentional control.
• Traditional Stroop tasks (paper-and-pencil, 2D computer) have limitations in ecological validity.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive environments for cognitive assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of a 3D virtual reality Stroop task (VRST) for assessing supervisory attentional processing.
• To compare the VRST with traditional 2D and paper-and-pencil Stroop versions.
• To investigate psychophysiological arousal differences within the VRST.

Main Methods:

• Fifty healthy university students (18-28 years) completed VRST, 2D computer, and paper-and-pencil Stroop tasks.
• Psychophysiological measures assessed user arousal levels.
• Demographic data (age, gender, ethnicity, education) were analyzed for group differences.

Main Results:

• The VRST replicated the typical Stroop effect observed in established neuropsychological tests (D-KEFS, ANAM).
• VRST complexity allowed for assessment of exogenous and endogenous attention.
• Significant psychophysiological arousal differences were detected between low- and high-threat zones.
• A learning effect in VRST was noted but moderated by arousal in high-threat zones.
• No adverse side effects were reported from VR use.

Conclusions:

• The VRST is a viable tool for assessing supervisory attentional processing.
• VRST offers a novel, ecologically relevant approach to cognitive assessment.
• The VRST can differentiate attentional processing and arousal states.