Attention networks and their interactions: Moving from the lab to mobile virtual reality

Attention is a fundamental aspect of cognition. Previous research has identified and examined alerting, orienting, and executive “attention networks”, mainly through computerised behavioural tasks and neural measurements. Improved virtual reality (VR) headsets now offer new means to assess attention networks. Initial results that we obtained with a VR-adapted version of the well-established Attention Network Test-Revised (ANT-R) already indicated overall comparability of computerised and VR testing environments. In the current study, we utilised the flexibility and high degree of experimental control provided by mobile VR headsets to investigate attention network interactions and the effects of ecologically more valid stimuli and response feedback. In a single experimental session, 44 participants performed the computerised ANT-R and the ANT-VR. Response times were generally longer for the ANT-VR but the overall result pattern confirmed the similarity between test variants for network scores and interactions. Some notable differences were observed as well. Results obtained with the ANT-VR point towards increased engagement and show reduced costs for disengaging attention from an invalid cue, faster moving and engaging, and shorter orienting time. A validity effect was only observed with the ANT-R, whereas a previously reported location conflict was not observed with both variants. Participants also rated their VR experience and confirmed good overall headset utilisation. These findings establish the ANT-VR as a new flexible and mobile testing environment for controlled attention assessment and research outside the traditional laboratory or clinical settings.