Research note: Implications for criminological studies on enforcing suspension of disbelief in virtual reality

Abstract Virtual Reality is increasingly used in criminological research to study risky behaviors and decision-making. However, understanding how authentically participants engage with VR remains a methodological challenge. This study examines whether explicitly instructing participants to role-play as themselves influences their behavior in VR simulations. 160 participants navigated a virtual urban environment, choosing between safer and riskier paths. Half received instructions to behave as they would in real-life, while the control group received no additional guidance. Results indicate that participants who were explicitly asked to suspend their disbelief made fewer risky choices, aligning with theoretical expectations regarding victim-based and gender-based reaction. Findings contribute to discussions on construct validity, showing that behavioral measures in VR are more reliable when participants consciously and willingly suspend their disbelief. Researchers studying real-world decision-making should ensure participants accept to engage with the scenario realistically, while those developing behavioral assessments may benefit from the consequence-free nature of VR.