The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Researchers have conducted studies on integrating autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) in Virtual Reality Training (VRT); however, little is known about the effectiveness of these trainings and the skills typically taught. Out of the 2,017 related articles found, there were 20 articles that met our inclusionary criteria. We analyzed the 20 articles along the dimensions of participant demographics (e.g. age, disability, ethnicity); skills taught; measurement methods; components of VRTs (e.g. feedback, communication medium, degree of immersion); effectiveness; and social validity. We also checked the 11 VRTs mentioned in the present review for components of behavior skills training (BST). Our results showed that VRT is effective in teaching social, safety, and professional skills (e.g. initiation of play, emergency bystander intervention, job interview) to 1,144 participants, including children with disabilities and adults with and without disabilities. Across the reviewed articles, authors probed for skill generalization and found that the targeted skills generalized across setting or time in 15 out of 20 (75%) articles. Our results indicate that VRT is a flexible and viable option for scaling BSTs, although additional research is needed for cost-benefit analysis. Lastly, we discussed ways for behavior analysts to leverage VRTs with autonomous AI and recommendations for future research.