The Effect of Virtual Reality Technology on Enhancing 
Cognitive Flexibility Among University Students

Bo Liu; Kou Heung

doi:10.70711/frim.v3i11.7679

The Effect of Virtual Reality Technology on Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility Among University Students

Bo Liu, Kou Heung

Abstract

Cognitive flexibilitythe ability to adjust thinking and behavior in response to changing environmentsis vital for students facing
complex, dynamic academic demands. This study examined whether immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences can improve cognitive flexibility in university students. Two hundred and fifty undergraduates from diverse disciplines were randomly assigned to a VR group, which
completed a series of interactive VR tasks designed to foster adaptability, or to a control group, which engaged in conventional computerbased activities. Cognitive flexibility was assessed before and after the intervention using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), and
engagement in the VR group was measured via the Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE) scale. Statistical analyses showed that VR
participation significantly increased cognitive flexibility relative to the control condition, and that higher engagement within the VR environment correlated with greater gains. The findings suggest that VR can be an effective pedagogical tool for cultivating adaptive cognitive skills
and have implications for designing learning experiences that leverage emerging technologies.

Keywords

Cognitive flexibility; Virtual reality; Adaptive thinking; Immersive learning; Problem-solving

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/frim.v3i11.7679

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