Abstract
The use of virtual reality (VR) technology has undergone a rapid expansion in numerous spheres of research. The field of neuropsychology is continually growing more interested in using VR programs in a manner similar to traditional construct-driven pencil-and-paper testing, with the intention to incorporate a function-led approach to testing in an effort to mimic a client’s everyday environment. One such VR program being used to examine neurocognitive functioning is the Virtual Environment Grocery Store (VEGS), which is aimed at monitoring a client’s ability to accomplish a set of virtual tasks that are often encountered in the real world. Currently, the literature is sparse regarding how much variance is explained by demographic variables (e.g., age, sex, education, and premorbid intellectual functioning) in relation to the VEGS. Understanding the role between demographic variables and the VEGS might help improve the program’s ability to predict a neurocognitive disorder, especially if the sample size is fairly representative of the total population as this would increase the ecological validity of the program. Therefore, it would be particularly useful to assess how these real-world variables impact the psychometric utility of the VEGS overall. In the context of practical applicability within neuropsychological assessments, this study would seek to examine how common demographic variables (i.e., sex, age, premorbid intellectual functioning, and education) function with the VEGS in an effort to assess the predictive ability of this VR program in diagnosing a neurocognitive disorder.
Date of publication
Summer 8-2-2024
Document Type
Thesis (Local Only Access)
Language
english
Persistent identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4749
Committee members
Dr. Michael Barnett, Dr. Bradley Green, Dr. Samantha Estrada, Dr. Dennis Combs
Degree
Masters in Clinical Psychology
Recommended Citation
Zamora, Joel A., "THE ROLE OF REAL-WORLD VARIABLES ON THE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT GROCERY STORE’S ABILITY TO PREDICT NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS" (2024). Psychology and Counseling Theses. Paper 23.
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4749