TRANSFER OF TRAINING FROM VIRTUAL-REALITY

This experiment compared the value of real-world training, virtual rea lity training, and no training in the transfer of learning to the same task performed in real-world conditions. Results provide no evidence of transfer from a virtual reality training environment to a real-worl d task. There was no significant difference between the virtual realit y training group and the group that received no training on the task. The group that received real-world training performed significantly be tter than both of the other two groups. The results question the utili ty of virtual training and suggest that in the present configuration, individuals learn performance characteristics specific only to the vir tual reality context. Needed improvements to virtual reality for the p urpose of enabling the transfer of training are indicated.