Version Of Reality Research Articles

23.16 : Iteração da identidade através da arte e da tecnologia

In this paper, I will reflect on “23.16”, a research project that delves into autobiographical memory, technology, and installation art, developed during the Master’s in Fine Arts at FBAUP. This investigation intersects with the conference’s focus on the arts and memory. Anchoring my methodology in autoethnography, I manipulate personal materials—sound and memory—employing a strategy of transfer and iteration within a network of devices. This creates a mise-en-abîme that bridges various artistic languages and forms. The work embodies a living inquiry into Judith Butler’s narrative of self as articulated in “Giving an Account of Oneself,” scrutinizing the iterative process of self-narrative and the persistent metamorphosis of identity. The project is further informed by Paul B. Preciado’s reflections on the imbrication of technology and identity, alongside Gilbert Simondon’s notions of transduction and perpetual becoming. The philosophical paradox of Theseus’ ship serves as a conceptual metaphor within my work, posing inquiries about identity’s endurance and transformation. This metaphor extends to challenge the identity of the project itself, questioning whether it retains the essence of a singular work despite the continuous substitution of auditory and visual forms. The project materializes in multimedia installations that, emanating from the same auditory roots, conjure seemingly dystopian versions of reality and memory. The installations are a testament to the performative nature of memory and the cinematic transformation of sound into image, and subsequently, into moving images. In dialogue, I aim to reflect on the generative possibilities of this experimental process—how the critical discourse may contribute to the research’s evolution.

“What truth are you telling me about?”

This article discusses two Belarusian music videos from 2020, “Shchuchynshchyna” and “Ne Smeshno” (“Not Funny”), both of which were framed by their creators as commentary on the 2020 protests. In “Ne Smeshno,” band Molchat Doma seemingly attempts to wake a city stricken by an epidemic of sleep—and fails, with one exception. The parody video “Shchuchynshchyna” debuted in a satirical web series, where Elena ZheludOk’s performance of state-approved pop entrances a rebellious rock guitarist. I discuss these videos through Almira Ousmanova’s work on defamiliarization in Belarusian art and politics and through Lauren Berlant’s thought on the allegory. I argue that both videos engage with the idea that art’s political potential is in its power to undermine the state’s hegemonic version of reality. However, in both videos, this break in perception is a secondary effect of music, a consequence of the new gendered, intimate relations that music directly sets in motion.

Diagnostic performance of pupil perimetry in detecting hemianopia under standard and virtual reality viewing conditions.

To determine the diagnostic performance and reliability of two pupil perimetry (PP) methods in homonymous hemianopia. This cross-sectional monocenter cohort study performed gaze-contingent flicker PP (gcFPP) and a virtual reality version of gcFPP (VRgcFPP) twice on separate occasions in all patients suffering from homonymous hemianopia due to neurological impairment. The main outcomes were (1) test accuracy and (2) test-retest reliability: (1) was measured through area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) calculation of (VR)gcFPP results with comparators being SAP and healthy controls, respectively; (2) was evaluated by comparing tests 1 and 2 of both methods within patients. Both gcFPP and VRgcFPP were performed in 15 patients (12 males, MAge = 57, SDAge = 15) and 17 controls (6 males, MAge = 53, SDAge = 12). Mean test accuracy was good in separating damaged from intact visual field regions (gcFPP: Mauc = 0.83, SDauc = 0.09; VRgcFPP: Mauc = 0.69,SDauc = 0.13) and in separating patients from controls (gcFPP: Mauc = 0.92,SDauc = 0.13; VRgcFPP: Mauc = 0.96,SDauc = 0.15). A high test-retest reliability was found for the proportion intact versus damaged visual field (gcFPP: r = 0.95, P < .001, VRgcFPP: r = 1.00, P < .001). Overall, these results can be summarized as follows: (1) the comparison of pupil response amplitudes between intact versus damaged regions per patient indicate that gcFPP allows for cleaner imaging of intact versus damaged visual field regions than VRgcFPP, (2) the comparisons of average differences in intact versus damaged amplitudes between patients and controls demonstrate high diagnostic performance of both gcFPP and VRgcFPP, and (3) the test-retest reliabilities confirm that both gcFPP and VRgcFPP reliably and consistently measure defects in homonymous hemianopia. KEY MESSAGES: What is known Standard automated perimetry is the current gold standard for visual field examination, but not always suited for the evaluation of the VF in neurologically impaired patients. Pupil perimetry consists of the measurement of pupillary responses to light stimuli as a measure of visual sensitivity. What is new This study reports the highest diagnostic accuracy of pupil perimetry so far in patients with homonymous hemianopia. Gaze-contingent flicker pupil perimetry reliably and consistently measures defects in homonymous hemianopia under standard and virtual reality viewing conditions.

Assessment of verbal memory in Parkinson's disease utilizing a virtual reality-based Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test

The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) is a commonly used tool for evaluating verbal learning and memory in neuropsychological assessments. In recent years, we developed a Virtual Reality (VR) adaptation of the RAVLT (VR-RVLT), aiming for increased ecological validity compared to the traditional pen and paper gold standard (GS-RAVLT). Following validation in healthy cohorts, the VR-RAVLT was validated with thirty individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) that completed both the GS-RAVLT and the VR- RAVLT. Validity of the VR-RAVLT was evaluated by assessing its construct and discriminant validity, and test–retest reliability, in comparison to the GS-RAVLT. Results of the PD participants were compared to those of 46 previously recruited healthy participants with comparable age and level of education. Main outcome measures derived from the remembered items on the test lists, exhibited significant and comparable correlations between VR-RAVLT and GS-RAVLT, both among healthy participants and PD participants. Likewise, serial position effects were similar for both formats amog the PD participants. Additionally, both formats showed similar discriminatory ability between healthy controls and PD participants, as well as comparable test–retest reliability measures. Taken together, the results suggest that the VR-based RAVLT is equally effective in measuring verbal memory capabilities in individuals with PD as compared to the GS-RAVLT. Certain results indicate that the virtual reality version has the capability to encompass additional factors that might impact memory performance, thereby suggesting an enhanced ecological validity.

Interpreter-mediated political communication N-Grammed: a corpus-driven discourse analysis of government interpreters’ (ideological) use of formulaic language

ABSTRACT Formulaic expressions/prefabricated chunks are established as crucial in fluent speech production in psycholinguistics and language acquisition/learning yet have been largely underexplored in interpreting studies, barring a few experimental studies. Formulaic expressions are particularly underexplored from a discursive perspective in interpreting, that is, how interpreters might employ formulaic expressions for discursive mediation. Drawing on 20 years of China’s political press conferences data, this study conducts a corpus-driven critical discourse analysis to explore the ideological/discursive properties of the linguistic category using the N-Gram function. The findings reveal that the interpreters’ formulaic language use manifests at multiple levels: Instead of being seemingly routine and innocuous, formulaic expressions used in interpreting can be ideologically salient in (re)constructing versions of truth, fact, and reality, discursively further strengthening China’s stance in the global lingua franca English. Contextualised bilingual examples are provided to demonstrate interpreters’ mediation. This interdisciplinary study contributes to current understanding of government interpreters’ agency in a changing sociocultural and geopolitical context.

Biological diversity detected in two deteriorated Cuban cinematographic films that contribute to their biodegrading

The cinematographic films are a reproduced version of reality and have become vital documents to study everything around us. For their preservation it is necessary to study the biodeterioration of these documents. The aims of this study were to characterize the biodeterioration caused mainly by microorganisms in two cinematographic films by applying molecular methodologies, electron microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy as well as to determine the enzymatic characterization of the fungal species isolated. From the Cuban Institute for Cinematographic Industry and Arts (ICAIC) the samples on two damaged cinematographic films were collected. The films were analyzed by different microscopic techniques, including the two types of electron microscopy. Also, the degradative potential of the isolated fungi was determined by qualitative evaluation of the enzymatic activities. A significant fungal colonization on both sides of the films and the damages caused by these microorganisms in the material were observed as well as the exoskeletons of dust mites of the families Tydeidae and Tarsonemidae as part of biofouling that were used as nutrients by the fungi. By epifluorescence microscopy was observed that some of the microorganisms were still viable and active. Using molecular biology techniques could be identified several species corresponding to the fungal genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Microascus as well as the bacteria genera Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Kocuria, which were responsible of the biodeterioration of these films. All isolated fungal species were capable to degrade the cellulose and gelatin as well as to excrete organic acids and pigments. Bacteria were detected in low concentrations as well as other biological agents, but it was observed that the films were being colonized by a high concentration of various fungal species with a significant biodeteriogenic potential, demonstrating that they were severely affecting the films.

Comparison of gamified and non-gamified mixed reality in enhancing museum visitor engagement, motivation, and learning outcome

ABSTRACT This study, conducted at the Wieng Yong House Museum in Lamphun, Thailand, examines the impact of gamification within mixed reality (MR) experiences on visitor engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Utilizing a comparative approach, the research contrasts Gamified and Non-Gamified Mixed Reality groups. To facilitate this evaluation, we developed two versions of mixed reality applications: a Gamified Mixed Reality version incorporating interactive game elements such as leaderboards, progress maps, badges, levels, and quizzes, and a Non-Gamified version without these gaming elements. The findings reveal that while gamification notably enhances the reward dimension of visitor engagement, its influence on other motivational dimensions, overall engagement, and learning outcomes is less pronounced. Behavioral data analysis indicates that the Gamified Mixed Reality group exhibited a 30 percent increase in both total and average duration of museum interaction, suggesting a heightened level of visitor engagement. Despite these findings, the study suggests that the implementation of gamification in mixed reality might be more suitable for larger museums with sufficient resources to support extensive MR setups. The research underscores the nuanced effects of gamification in educational museum settings, providing essential insights for cultural institutions considering the adoption of MR technologies.

Comparing the Impact of Non-Gamified and Gamified Virtual Reality in Digital Twin Virtual Museum Environments: A Case Study of Wieng Yong House Museum, Thailand

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed in various domains, notably enhancing learning and experiences in cultural heritage (CH). This study examines the effects of gamified and non-gamified VR experiences within virtual museum environments, highlighting the concept of a digital twin and its focus on cultural heritage. It explores how these VR modalities affect visitor motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. For this purpose, two versions were developed: a gamified virtual reality version incorporating interactive gaming elements like achievements, profiles, leaderboards, and quizzes and a non-gamified virtual reality version devoid of these elements. This study, using an experimental design with 76 participants (38 in each group for the gamified and non-gamified experiences), leverages the Wieng Yong House Museum’s digital twin and its fabric collection to assess the educational and experiential quality of virtual museum visits. The findings indicate that while gamification significantly boosts the reward dimension of visitor engagement, its influence is most pronounced in the effort dimension of motivation; however, its impact on learning outcomes is less marked. These insights are instrumental for integrating VR and gamification into museum environments.

AI-Generated Ads: A Framework for Understanding Responses to Manipulated Advertising

Analog tools and human labor have historically been used in the creation and distribution of advertising material. The advertising industry can now automate many advertising processes and create “synthetic ads,” or ads that contain content that is created artificially and automatically through data modification and production. This is made possible by technological advancements in the advertising sector. Using a variety of Artificial Intelligence (Al) techniques, including deep fakes and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), the growing practice of synthetic advertising, which is currently the most sophisticated form of ad manipulation, automatically generates content that presents an artificial, albeit convincing, version of reality. A broad framework is developed in this study to gain a better understanding of how consumers react to various types of ad manipulation and how they feel about more complex synthetic ad formats like deep fakes. An agenda for research in this field is created, with an emphasis on the areas of manipulated advertising: originality, consumer response, and ad falsity. Moreover, consideration is given to the implications for theory and industry.

Exergaming in augmented reality is tailor-made for aerobic training and enjoyment among healthy young adults.

In recent years, the use of exergaming for physical activity practice has gain in popularity but few is known about the use of augmented reality for physical activity, particularly at moderate to vigorous intensities. The present study examined the use of an exergame in augmented reality for aerobic training in healthy young adults. In a within-subject design, 18 participants (19.8 ± 1.4 years of age) have performed two physical activity sessions playing dodgeball. Indeed, they realized a classical dodgeball session and an exergaming session with an augmented reality version of dodgeball game. Physical loads and intensities were measured with accelerometers, RPE and heart sensors. Enjoyment experienced during the sessions was measured with the short version of the physical activity enjoyment scale questionnaire. Results revealed that both physical load and intensity were appropriate for aerobic training in the two conditions (i.e., classical and exergame in augmented reality) although values were significantly higher in the classical condition. Enjoyment was high in the two conditions with a higher significant value in the classical condition compared to the exergame in augmented reality condition. Put together, these results indicate that an aerobic state can be attained through both physical gameplay and its augmented reality equivalent and was associated to a high level of enjoyment among healthy young adults.

Virtual and augmented reality gamification of visuospatial neglect treatment: therapists’ user experience

BackgroundVisuospatial neglect (VSN) is a cognitive disorder after stroke in which patients fail to consciously process and interact with contralesional stimuli. Visual Scanning Training (VST) is the recommended treatment in clinical guidelines. At the moment, several mixed reality versions of Visual Scanning Training (VST) are being developed. The aim of this study was to explore the opinions of end-users (i.e., therapists) on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in VSN treatment.MethodsTherapists played one VR and two AR Serious Games, and subsequently filled out a questionnaire on User Experience, Usability, and Implementation.ResultsSixteen therapists (psychologists, occupational, speech, and physiotherapists) played the games, thirteen of them evaluated the games. Therapists saw great potential in all three games, yet there was room for improvement on the level of usability, especially for tailoring the games to the patient’s needs. Therapists’ opinions were comparable between VR and AR Serious Games. For implementation, therapists stressed the urgency of clear guidelines and instructions.DiscussionEven though VR/AR technology is promising for VSN treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all applicability. It may thus be crucial to move towards a plethora of training environments rather than a single standardized mixed reality neglect treatment.ConclusionAs therapists see the potential value of mixed reality, it remains important to investigate the efficacy of AR and VR training tools.

Making workable knowledge for asylum decisions: on tinkering with country of origin information

ABSTRACT As the number of asylum seekers grew, and flight stories became more complex, many Western governments deployed national research units, tasked with producing reliable Country of Origin Information (COI) to assist officials, judges and policy-makers in decision-making. Building on ethnographic research at Staatendokumentation, the COI unit at the Austrian Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, the paper argues that country research practices can best be understood as ‘tinkering’ – e.g. making use of know-how, equipment, material sources at disposal to produce workable COI in conditions of uncertainty. The concept of tinkering is derived from science and technology studies (STS) and brings into view how the research professionals cobble together a workable version of reality with the methodologies and materials at hand. Moreover, it highlights how country research involves continuous modification and adjustments to satisfy the needs of the unwitting case officer as the end-user of COI reports. Finally, using insights from feminist science and technology studies, the paper shows how country experts foster care for some things – i.e. the workload of case officers – at the expense of others – i.e. the experience of the asylum seeker.

Comparison of the Perceived Stress Reactivity Scale with physiological and self-reported stress responses during ecological momentary assessment and during participation in a virtual reality version of the Trier Social Stress Test

Valid approaches to conveniently measure stress reactivity are needed due to the growing evidence of its health-impairing effects. This study examined whether the Perceived Stress Reactivity Scale (PSRS) predicts cardiovascular and psychological responses to psychosocial stressors during daily life and during a virtual reality (VR) Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Medical students answered a standardized baseline questionnaire to assess perceived stress reactivity by the PSRS. The PSRS asks participants to rate the intensity of their typical affective responses to common stressors during daily life. They were further asked to participate in a VR-TSST and in an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over a period of three consecutive workdays during daily life. Blood pressure and self-reported stress were repeatedly, heart rate variability (HRV) continuously measured during the VR-TSST and EMA. Furthermore, participants repeatedly assessed task demands, task control and social conflict during the EMA. Data was analysed using multilevel analysis and multiple linear regression. Results indicate that the PSRS moderates associations between blood pressure (but not HRV) and demands and control during daily life. Furthermore, the PSRS directly predicted self-reported stress, but did not moderate associations between self-reported stress and demands, control and social conflict. The PSRS did not predict physiological and self-reported stress responses to the VR-TSST. This study partly confirmed convergent validity of the PSRS to stress reactivity in daily life. Furthermore, the lack of association between the PSRS and stress responses to the VR-TSST calls for future studies to search for reliable and valid ways to assess stress reactivity.

PanicRoom: a virtual reality-based Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm.

Pavlovian fear conditioning is an experimental paradigm used to study the acquisition and extinction of fear responses and the various aspects of fear and anxiety. We developed a virtual reality (VR) version of this paradigm to leverage the benefits of virtual reality, such as ecological validity, standardization, safety, and therapeutic applications. Our objective was to create an open-source and immersive environment for studying fear-related responses using Unity Engine 3D and the Oculus Rift device. In this virtual environment, the participants encountered a monster screaming at 100 dB approaching them as the fear-inducing stimulus (unconditioned stimulus or US). Our protocol included three sessions: habituation, acquisition, and extinction, with two stimuli associated with different doors (blue vs. red). The blue door (CS+) was linked to the US, while the red door (CS-) was the control. We tested this VR paradigm on 84 young participants, recording their skin conductance response (SCRs) and fear stimulus ratings (FSRs) on a 10-point Likert scale. The findings showed significantly higher SCRs and FSRs for CS+ as compared to CS- during the acquisition phase and higher SCRs and FSRs for CS+ during the acquisition phase as compared to the habituation and extinction sessions. These results supported the reliability of the protocol for studying fear and anxiety-related conditions.

Feasibility of a virtual reality course on adult tracheostomy safety skills.

The National Tracheostomy Safety Project has run high-quality, face-to-face skills courses since 2009. The aim of this project was to produce a virtual reality version of the established course and evaluate its impact on participant learning, and participant and faculty satisfaction. Healthcare staff and students were recruited and randomised to attend one of (1) a face-to-face traditional course (control); (2) a virtual reality course at a conference centre with on-site technical support; (3) a fully remote virtual reality course; the virtual reality groups were combined for the analysis of learning outcomes and satisfaction. The primary outcome was the difference in pre/post-course knowledge scores on a 30-item questionnaire; secondary outcomes included knowledge retention, usability, comfort/side effects and participant performance in a simulated tracheostomy emergency. Thirty-seven participants and 15 faculty participated in this study. There was no significant difference between mean pre/post-course scores from the face-to-face (from 21.1 to 23.1; +2) and combined virtual reality (from 17.1 to 21.1; +4) groups, with both showing improvement (p = 0.21). The mean System Usability Scale score for virtual reality was 76.8 (SD 12.6), which is above average; the median Simulator Sickness Questionnaire score was 7.5 (IQR 3.7-22.4), indicating minimal symptoms. All participants resolved the primary clinical problem in the simulated emergency, but the virtual reality (VR) group was slower overall (mean difference 61.8 s, p = 0.003). This technical feasibility study demonstrated that there was no difference in participant knowledge immediately after and 4 weeks following face-to-face and virtual reality courses. Virtual reality offers an immersive experience that can be delivered remotely and offers potential benefits of reducing travel and venue costs for attendees, therefore increasing the flexibility of training opportunities.

Underrepresented and Excluded from the Public Sphere: Women of Solidarity in Polish History Textbooks

The paper aims to analyze the Solidarity movement’s textbook narratives, focusing on women’s representation in the history textbooks used in upper-secondary schools between 1991-2018. Quantitative methods were used to measure different categories of historical figures (men/women) in terms of their frequency and textual space. To explore the values and ideologies embedded in the textbook narratives of Solidarity, the study was guided by the qualitative approach and the critical discourse analysis of both verbal and visual texts. Women consequently remain outside the historical narrative of Solidarity as a marginalized group. Stereotypical images and underrepresentation of women in history textbooks provide a distorted version of social reality, acknowledging that political and social activism belongs to the public sphere occupied by men. Moreover, it reproduces the view that women do not belong to the public sphere and cannot be leaders because they are positioned in the private sphere. From the perspective of citizenship education, such a strand reproduces or/and reinforces social inequalities.

MODERNISTIC CREATOR IN THE SPACE OF UTOPIA: YURI OLESHA AND VEN. EROFEEV

The paper is devoted to the problem of the legitimacy of the modernist creator’s statement in the field of the closed discourse of the Soviet utopian project. The main feature of the text that exists in the utopian project is the consolidation of accepted attitudes and cultural values, which is not consistent with the strategies of the modernist text. The modernist claims the right to create his own unique reality rather than follow the requirements of the new art. Yu. Olesha’s novel Envy (1927) and Ven. Erofeev’s Moscow - Petushki are illustrative material. The choice of literary works is justified by three reasons. Firstly, by the similarity of the fates of the designated authors. Secondly, by the diachronic correlation of the main characters of the texts - Nikolai Kavalerov and Venichka - as creators in the space of two versions of utopia (flourishing and dying). Finally, by the similarity of the narrative structures of both works, which indicates the possibility to consider them as examples of modernist self-tale (about oneself and a subjective version of reality). The authors of the paper suggest that Moscow - Petushki is a response to Envy, because it continues the development of that novel’s main intention. This paper concludes that the settings of Kavalerov’s and Venichka’s creative statements demonstrate their alienation from the project of utopia and the impossibility of self-fulfillment in it. For this reason, both characters and their demiurges find themselves in the zone of the marginal and taboo, in the zone of distance from utopia. At the same time, Kavalerov as an active modernist of the 1920s tries to become part of the new century, while Venichka as a passive modernist of the 1960s no longer expresses any claim to a place in the Soviet world.

Thinking Across Worlds: Pluriversal Potentiality

Reflecting on the epistemological history of the microscope alongside theories of pluriversality and Anishinaabe mnidoo ontology, “Thinking Across Worlds” addresses the microscope as an instrument of decolonial worlding through two artworks created by the authors. We ask, “How can we think across worlds—microscopic and macroscopic, western and Indigenous, scientific and creative—to transform the present and the future, from ecological devastation and colonial violence to sustainability and decolonial justice?” The art works, titled Gathering and Resonance, are experiments in political ontology, through immersion in other worlds, other versions of reality. In these microscopic hydrospheres, Anishinaabe mnidoo reality prevails. Human viewers are dwarfed by the microscopic mnidoo that surround them. The place of humans is revealed to be a mere part within a multiplicity of relations. Our own interests are eclipsed by the dramas that play out among these minute forms of consciousness.

Perceived spatial presence and body orientation affect the recall of out-of-sight places in an immersive sketching experiment

The orientation of sketch maps of remote but familiar city squares produced from memory has been shown to depend on the distance and airline direction from the production site to the remembered square (position-dependent recall, Röhrich et al. in PLoS One 9(11): e112793, 2014). Here, we present a virtual reality version of the original experiment and additionally study the role of body orientation. Three main points can be made: First, “immersive sketching” is a novel and useful paradigm in which subjects sketch maps live on paper while being immersed in virtual reality. Second, the original effect of position-dependent recall was confirmed, indicating that the sense of being present at a particular location, even if generated in a virtual environment, suffices to bias the imagery of distant places. Finally, the orientation of the produced sketch maps depended also on the body orientation of the subjects. At each production site, body orientation was controlled by varying the position of the live feed in the virtual environment, such that subjects had to turn towards the prescribed direction. Position-dependent recall is strongest if subjects are aligned with the airline direction to the target and virtually goes away if they turn in the opposite direction. We conclude that the representation of out-of-sight target places depends on both the current airline direction to the target and the body orientation.

Utilizing augmented reality for embodied mental rotation training: A learning analytics study

AbstractMental rotation is the ability to mentally rotate two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional objects in one's mind. Previous studies have examined the relationship between mental rotation abilities and embodied cognition. However, conflicting findings underscore the necessity for further investigation. This study aims to investigate how different levels of embodiment in mental rotation training affect mental rotation training. Three versions of mental rotation training with different levels of embodiment (keyboard, touchpad and augmented reality) were developed for this study. A quasi‐experimental study was conducted with a total of 125 university students to explore how different training versions affect participants' training performances, perception of the usability of the training and mental rotation ability. The results suggest those who used the versions with higher levels of bodily engagement performed better than those who used the versions with lower levels of bodily engagement (p &lt; 0.001). Participants' mental rotation ability also improved significantly after training with the augmented reality (AR1) version compared to those in the keyboard group (p = 0.01). The learning analytics results provide additional clarity by indicating that the participants' mental rotation ability can be predicted by their training performance in the AR condition (p &lt; 0.001). This study has significant implications for the potential of using embodied AR training to improve mental rotation ability. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Mental rotation ability is a malleable trait that can be improved through repeated and long‐term game‐based training. Short‐term training using digital games has limited impacts on mental rotation ability. Mental rotation abilities are linked to our bodily interactions with the physical world. What this paper adds Investigates how different levels of bodily engagement in a digital game affect short‐term mental rotation training. Investigates how different levels of bodily engagement in a mental rotation training game affect players' game performance and perception of the usability of the game. Investigates if players' performance in a mental rotation training game can predict their mental rotation ability and self‐diagnosed sense of direction. Leverages learning analytics to explain findings generated by traditional research methods. Implications for practice and/or policy Leveraging augmented reality technology in more embodied mental rotation training games can facilitate short‐term gains in mental rotation. Game‐based learning researchers should consider leveraging learning analytics techniques to provide richer and more nuanced explanations for findings generated by traditional research methods. Game performance in effective mental rotation training games can predict mental rotation abilities, thus potentially assessing such abilities.