Running virtual reality experiments online: A brief introduction and tutorial

Area of Science:

• Cognitive and Behavioral Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Conducting representative cognitive and behavioral research requires both realistic experimental settings and diverse participant samples.
• Virtual reality (VR) enhances experimental realism and control, while online testing expands participant pools.
• Integrating VR with online testing is compelling but faces technical challenges due to tool incompatibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical solution for conducting virtual reality (VR) experiments online.
• To bridge the gap between lab-based VR studies and remote data collection.
• To facilitate scalable, inclusive, and externally valid behavioral science research.

Main Methods:

• Developed a step-by-step tutorial for converting lab-based VR studies to remote deployments using Unity and Steam.
• Created an open-source onlineVR-toolbox with code, workflows, and Notebooks for participant management and data transfer.
• Validated the approach through a proof-of-concept case study replicating a known memory effect.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the technical feasibility of remote data collection for VR experiments via Steam.
• Showcased that online VR study results are consistent with traditional laboratory-based findings.
• Validated the effectiveness of the open-source toolbox in facilitating online VR research.

Conclusions:

• Online VR studies are both possible and practical, overcoming previous technical hurdles.
• The developed resources enable more scalable, inclusive, and externally valid behavioral science.
• This approach opens new avenues for diverse and representative data collection in cognitive and behavioral research.