• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Virtual Reality and Psychology

Module description

This module explores the intersection of virtual reality (VR) technology and psychological research. You will gain foundational knowledge of VR, including its technological components, key applications, and methodological considerations in psychology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding VR's potential to study perception, cognition, and neurodiversity. Through critical evaluation and practical workshops, you will develop skills to design and assess VR-based psychological studies, fostering an understanding of ethical and practical challenges.

Module aims - intentions of the module

 Introduce you to immersive technology, particularly VR, and its applications in psychological research. 

2. Equip you with practical skills to design VR-based experiments. 

3. Encourage you to criticallly evaluate the strengths and limitations of VR as a research tool. 

4. Explore the ethical considerations of using immersive technologies in psychological research. 

5. Foster an understanding of the future of VR in academic and applied settings.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Understand the technological components and historical development of VR.
• 2. Critically evaluate the practical and ethical implications of VR in psychology research.
• 3. Demonstrate the ability to design a VR-based psychological study, including considerations for user experience (UX) and data analysis.
• 4. Analyze use cases of VR across domains such as neurodiversity, perception, and cognition.
• 5. Reflect on the methodological challenges and potential future directions of VR in psychological science.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Understanding of immersive technology's impact on cognition, perception, and behavior.
• 7. Ability to critically assess biases, accessibility issues, and potential risks associated with VR applications in psychological studies.
• 8. Familiarity with UX principles in VR, including factors such as presence, immersion, and usability, to enhance experimental validity.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Critical Thinking and Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving
• 10. Experience working in teams to develop and deliver group presentations, enhancing teamwork and leadership skills.
• 11. Adaptability and Digital Literacy in Emerging Technologies

Syllabus plan

Introduction to VR concepts (hardware and software essentials), history and ethical considerations. Using case studies to explore VR/XR applications in psychology and exploring experimental design challenges/opportunities when using this novel technology. Two practical workshops providing hands-on experience of VR/XR technology, critical evaluation of methods used in interdisciplinary research and research design.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the re-assessment period (July/August). Where you have been deferred in the case study you will be required to resubmit the case study. Deferred marks are not capped. If you are successful on your referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Most of the research discussed will be drawn from journal papers. The following books will be good background reading:

• Beck, J. S. (2005). Cognitive Therapy for Challenging Problems: What to do when the basics don't work. Guilford Press.
• Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive Behavior therapy: Basics and Beyond. Guilford Publications.
• Rakovshik, S. (2019). An Introduction to CBT Research.
• Westbrook, D., Kennerley, H., & Kirk, J. (2011). An Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications. Sage.

Key words search

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, cognitive restructuring, behavioral interventions, mental health, evidence-based approach, anxiety disorders, PTSD, trauma-related symptoms.