Virtual reality: A new method to investigate cognitive load during navigation

Abstract Cognitive load has for long been studied in relation with learning processes. In our study, we investigated the impact of cognitive load in real-life situations taking the example of train travelers looking for relevant information in a train station. For this purpose, we created a virtual reality model of the tested train station from which we conducted a real-life study. Our aim was to compare travelers’ cognitive load impact in real-life environmental condition versus virtual reality simulation of the same environment. Regular and occasional travelers were recruited and were assumed as experts and novices, respectively. Investigation of cognitive load was based on physiological, subjective and behavioral aspects. These were measured using electrodermal activity, NASA-Task Load Index and recognition of relevant factual and contextual information seen by travelers in the train station, respectively. These three indicators used in both real-life and virtual reality were expected to follow the same trend, irrespective of the environmental condition, but were expected to vary with respect to expertise level. A higher cognitive load was forecasted for novice travelers than for expert travelers. The findings revealed no difference on the three indicators between virtual and real-life conditions. However, novice travelers showed higher cognitive load responses than expert travelers, in both environmental conditions. Our results suggest virtual reality as a promising technique for cognitive load analysis during navigation, and an effective method for neurocognitive assessments in daily life situations.