About this Research Topic
Concerning neuropsychological assessment, the issue of ecological validity is substantial, given that conventional testing techniques frequently fall short in reproducing real-life scenarios. While patients may exhibit strong performance in structured clinical environments, they may encounter difficulties with cognitive tasks in their everyday lives. This incongruity may result in an erroneous assessment of the genuine cognitive capacities and impede the development of efficacious treatment strategies.
The implementation of VR and 360° technologies presents a potentially effective resolution to this concern. Through the development of immersive and lifelike environments that closely mimic routine situations, these technologies enable cognitive function evaluations to be more ecologically valid. Virtual environments that simulate real-life challenges, such as multitasking in the workplace or navigating a busy street, can be utilized to assess patients. By employing this methodology, neuropsychologists can assess and examine the cognitive functioning of patients in a fashion that is more faithful to their capabilities in practical situations.
The core problem we aim to address with this research topic is the lack of ecological validity in current methods of neuropsychological assessment, which can lead to inaccurate understandings of patients’ true cognitive functioning. To enhance ecological validity, we propose integrating immersive 360° videos and images into neuropsychological testing protocols to closely simulate real-world settings. Recent advances in 360° capture and visualization technologies now allow for incredibly immersive digital environments that provide a strong sense of presence for the user. By using 360° technologies, we can create testing conditions that closely mirror scenarios patients encounter in their daily lives - for example, navigating a grocery store, cooking a meal, or crossing a street.
Placing patients in these virtual environments will enable more accurate assessments of their cognitive abilities during activities of daily living. Key outcomes include quantifying the benefits of 360° technology integration for boosting the ecological validity of assessments. Comparing patient performance on traditional pen-and-paper neuropsychological tests versus newly developed 360° simulation-based tests could be one way. The hypothesis is that the immersive simulation testing will reveal additional cognitive deficits not captured by traditional methods, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment planning.
The objective of this research topic is to enhance ecological validity and advance the methodology of cognitive and neuropsychological assessment through the integration of immersive 360° technologies.
Manuscripts that pertain to the subsequent themes and scopes are cordially received:
1) Theoretical frameworks and methodologies:
• Construction of novel testing protocols and theoretical models utilizing 360° environments to enhance the validity of assessments
• Experimental design considerations for 360° systems: technical specifications and optimization
• Aspects of spatial audio, tracking, realism, and immersion
2) Cognitive domains and evaluations:
• The utilization of 360° environments to assess processing speed, attention, memory, executive functions, and spatial navigation;
• Comparative research examining conventional and 360° environment testing methodologies;
• 360° simulation techniques for evaluating activities of daily living
Clinical applications include the utilization of 360° testing to enhance patient population diagnosis and treatment planning. Case studies showcasing the practical application of 360° testing in clinical environments. An analysis of the application of 360° testing in pediatric, adult, and geriatric cohorts
Original research articles, systematic reviews, articles providing perspectives and commentary, and methodological analysis articles are all welcome for submission. Within this scope, contributions may consist of theoretical, technical, clinical, or experimental work.
The implementation of VR and 360° technologies presents a potentially effective resolution to this concern. Through the development of immersive and lifelike environments that closely mimic routine situations, these technologies enable cognitive function evaluations to be more ecologically valid. Virtual environments that simulate real-life challenges, such as multitasking in the workplace or navigating a busy street, can be utilized to assess patients. By employing this methodology, neuropsychologists can assess and examine the cognitive functioning of patients in a fashion that is more faithful to their capabilities in practical situations.
The core problem we aim to address with this research topic is the lack of ecological validity in current methods of neuropsychological assessment, which can lead to inaccurate understandings of patients’ true cognitive functioning. To enhance ecological validity, we propose integrating immersive 360° videos and images into neuropsychological testing protocols to closely simulate real-world settings. Recent advances in 360° capture and visualization technologies now allow for incredibly immersive digital environments that provide a strong sense of presence for the user. By using 360° technologies, we can create testing conditions that closely mirror scenarios patients encounter in their daily lives - for example, navigating a grocery store, cooking a meal, or crossing a street.
Placing patients in these virtual environments will enable more accurate assessments of their cognitive abilities during activities of daily living. Key outcomes include quantifying the benefits of 360° technology integration for boosting the ecological validity of assessments. Comparing patient performance on traditional pen-and-paper neuropsychological tests versus newly developed 360° simulation-based tests could be one way. The hypothesis is that the immersive simulation testing will reveal additional cognitive deficits not captured by traditional methods, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment planning.
The objective of this research topic is to enhance ecological validity and advance the methodology of cognitive and neuropsychological assessment through the integration of immersive 360° technologies.
Manuscripts that pertain to the subsequent themes and scopes are cordially received:
1) Theoretical frameworks and methodologies:
• Construction of novel testing protocols and theoretical models utilizing 360° environments to enhance the validity of assessments
• Experimental design considerations for 360° systems: technical specifications and optimization
• Aspects of spatial audio, tracking, realism, and immersion
2) Cognitive domains and evaluations:
• The utilization of 360° environments to assess processing speed, attention, memory, executive functions, and spatial navigation;
• Comparative research examining conventional and 360° environment testing methodologies;
• 360° simulation techniques for evaluating activities of daily living
Clinical applications include the utilization of 360° testing to enhance patient population diagnosis and treatment planning. Case studies showcasing the practical application of 360° testing in clinical environments. An analysis of the application of 360° testing in pediatric, adult, and geriatric cohorts
Original research articles, systematic reviews, articles providing perspectives and commentary, and methodological analysis articles are all welcome for submission. Within this scope, contributions may consist of theoretical, technical, clinical, or experimental work.
Keywords: 360° videos, 360° images, cognitive assessment, neuropsychology, ecological validity, immersive scenarios, memory, executive functions, attention, language, visuo-spatial abilities, activities of daily living
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
