Exploring neural efficiency in spatial cognition: A comparative study of 3D visual stimuli in virtual reality across STEM and non-STEM fields

IF 2.6 3区心理学 Q2 BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Behavioural Brain Research Pub Date : 2024-10-11 DOI:10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115288

Raimundo da Silva Soares Jr. , Amanda Yumi Ambriola Oku , Cândida S.F. Barreto , João Ricardo Sato

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Spatial cognition plays a crucial role in our daily lives. The relationship between spatial abilities and mathematical performance is well-established, with visuospatial training offering significant benefits in academic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. Developing visuospatial training requires an objective evaluation of spatial cognition and consideration of various 3D displays. This study aims to compare the neural efficiency of STEM and non-STEM individuals during mental rotation tasks (MRT) in 3D and 2.5D conditions (pseudo 3D) using virtual reality (VR). For that, we propose a novel integrative assessment of spatial cognition by combining a cost-effective VR headset and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Overall, the findings reveal that STEM individuals exhibit greater neural efficiency in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) while solving MRT in a VR environment compared to their non-STEM counterparts. Additionally, the study shows that there is no significant difference in performance between 3D and 2.5D stimuli, suggesting that both conditions are equally suitable for MRT in VR. One possible explanation is that immersive VR reduces the distinctions between 3D models and 2.5D images, considering MRT scores and PFC activity. This research underscores the practicality and relevance of using VR and fNIRS to evaluate visuospatial tasks and the potential to identify distinct student learning profiles and enhance spatial skills. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of 2.5D stimuli as a cost-effective alternative for learning applications in VR. Here, we demonstrated that modeling the same task in 3D and 2.5D conditions can compare how humans interact with visuospatial tests, providing insights into applying VR devices to develop spatial skills.

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探索空间认知的神经效率：虚拟现实中的三维视觉刺激在 STEM 和非 STEM 领域的比较研究。

空间认知在我们的日常生活中起着至关重要的作用。空间能力与数学成绩之间的关系已得到证实，视觉空间训练在 STEM（科学、技术、工程和数学）学科中具有显著优势。开发视觉空间训练需要对空间认知进行客观评估，并考虑各种三维显示。本研究旨在利用虚拟现实（VR）技术，比较 STEM 和非 STEM 人员在三维和 2.5D 条件（伪三维）下完成心理旋转任务（MRT）时的神经效率。为此，我们提出了一种新颖的空间认知综合评估方法，将具有成本效益的 VR 头显与功能性近红外光谱（fNIRS）相结合。总体而言，研究结果表明，与非 STEM 人相比，STEM 人在 VR 环境中解决 MRT 问题时，其背外侧前额叶皮层（PFC）表现出更高的神经效率。此外，研究还表明，3D 和 2.5D 刺激之间的表现没有显著差异，这表明这两种条件同样适合在 VR 中进行 MRT。一种可能的解释是，考虑到 MRT 分数和 PFC 活动，沉浸式 VR 减少了 3D 模型和 2.5D 图像之间的区别。这项研究强调了使用 VR 和 fNIRS 评估视觉空间任务的实用性和相关性，以及识别不同学生学习情况和提高空间技能的潜力。此外，它还强调了 2.5D 刺激作为 VR 学习应用的一种具有成本效益的替代方法的潜力。在这里，我们证明了在三维和 2.5D 条件下对同一任务进行建模可以比较人类如何与视觉空间测试互动，为应用 VR 设备开发空间技能提供启示。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Behavioural Brain Research 医学-行为科学

CiteScore

5.60

自引率

0.00%

发文量

383

审稿时长

61 days

期刊介绍： Behavioural Brain Research is an international, interdisciplinary journal dedicated to the publication of articles in the field of behavioural neuroscience, broadly defined. Contributions from the entire range of disciplines that comprise the neurosciences, behavioural sciences or cognitive sciences are appropriate, as long as the goal is to delineate the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour. Thus, studies may range from neurophysiological, neuroanatomical, neurochemical or neuropharmacological analysis of brain-behaviour relations, including the use of molecular genetic or behavioural genetic approaches, to studies that involve the use of brain imaging techniques, to neuroethological studies. Reports of original research, of major methodological advances, or of novel conceptual approaches are all encouraged. The journal will also consider critical reviews on selected topics.