Immersive nature of VR allows users to feel a sense of presence. VR stimuli can elicit ecologically valid behaviors.

Syracuse University

Five core components of VR-based research has been identified that allows researchers to investigate behavioral, psychological, and social processes related to health and well-being. Collectively known as (DREAM)

-	Data Collection
-	Realism
-	Experimental Control
-	Adaptability
-	Mobility

Five key strengths of VR-based research

Martingano, A. J., & Persky, S. (2021). Virtual reality expands the toolkit for conducting health psychology research. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 15(7). https://doi-org.libezproxy2.syr.edu/10.1111/spc3.12606

Virtual reality expands the toolkit for conducting health psychology research

Precise measurements of physical movements are taken covertly, automatically, and continuously over time, eliminating the requirement for resource-intensive human observation. Captures subtle indicators of variables participants are unable or unwilling to verbalize.

Five key strengths of VR-based research: Data collection

Five key strengths of VR-based research: Realism

A VR stimulus is presented in exactly the same format consistently, ensuring standardization.

Five key strengths of VR-based research: Experimental control

Researchers can create any situation as needed even if it is rare or impossible in real life. Includes ability for perspective-taking (participants can virtually “walk in another person’s shoes”).

Five key strengths of VR-based research: Adaptability

Once a VR-based experiment is created, it can be directly replicated anywhere including in hard to reach settings and populations.

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