New Horizons for Neuropsychological Assessment: a Novel Platform for Building Cognitive Tasks with 360-degree Videos and Images

Neuropsychological testing aims to evaluate cognitive abilities on a behavioral task. Most neuropsychological tests are conducted using paper-and-pencil modality or computerized protocols. Recent concerns about the effectiveness of these procedures have focused on their ecological validity, i.e., the relationship between test results seen in a laboratory setting and actual daily cognitive functioning. The emergence of virtual reality presents new clinical and experimental opportunities since it is focused on exposing people to simulated but realistic stimuli and environments while simultaneously maintaining a controlled laboratory environment and gathering cutting-edge measures of cognitive functioning. An additional opportunity for neuropsychological assessment in the field of VR are 360° immersive images and videos. Although recent studies have provided encouraging results for memory and executive function testing, their use in neuropsychological assessment is not yet so widespread. One issue might be the challenge of creating tools or modifying 360-degree videos in accordance with clinical requirements. This study aims to present a platform to develop ecologically valid and controlled environments, with standardized multimodal stimulation, precisely calibrated feedback about the performance, and automatic registration of outcomes. Two memory tests will be presented: an object recognition task and a spatial memory task. Implementing 360° media does not require the knowledge and understanding of advanced technical skills, and the equipment needed to record and visualize them is more affordable than a standard VR setup. By evaluating behaviors in real-world situations, this platform could make it possible to develop ecological testing or enhance existing ones with higher rate of ecological validity.