Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Computer Science
First Advisor
Dr. Mmachi Obiorah
Abstract
Executive functioning involves key mental skills like self-control and problem-solving, which are often impaired by brain injuries. The Tower of London (TOL) task is a problem set commonly used to assess planning, but both traditional and digital versions can lack consistency, and, in the case of digital versions, realism and physical engagement. Research shows that 3D tasks, such as a 3D version of the Tower of Hanoi, engage the brain in distinct and meaningful ways, likely due to increased spatial involvement. By merging immersive 3D environments with the consistency of digital tools, virtual reality (VR) has the potential to enhance user engagement and increase there liability of cognitive assessments. This project aimed to develop and test a VR-based TOL task and compare participant performance to that on both physical and digital versions. Participants in the VR condition completed significantly more extra moves than those in the 2D and physical conditions, F(2,33.8)= 3.467, p=.043. Additionally, success rates were significantly lower in VR compared to 2D, OR =0.194,p < .001. Results indicate the need for design refinements to reduce unnecessary cognitive demands, particularly regarding ball physics and player controls, to move toward a validated VRTOL implementation.
Recommended Citation
Luby, Paean, "Comparing Spatial Interfaces of the Tower of London Task" (2025). Honors Theses. 1843.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1843
