Validez concurrente entre el Virtual Kitchen Protocol y las pruebas tradicionales para evaluar la memoria episódica en estudiantes universitarios

The neuropsychological assessment of episodic memory is becoming increasingly relevant in clinical settings. However, traditional methods for evaluating this cognitive process often lack a direct correlation with individuals' performance in daily life. As a result, there is a growing need to develop technology-mediated assessment protocols, such as those involving virtual reality. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the Virtual Kitchen Protocol (VKP) and traditional paper-and-pencil tests used to assess episodic memory. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study included a purposive sample of 31 participants (64.5% female, 35.5% male), with a mean age of 20.7 years. Findings revealed negative correlations between the virtual protocol and traditional paper-and-pencil measures. The VKP may have clinical utility as a tool for assessing episodic memory, functional abilities, and instrumental activities of daily living, and may serve as an indicator of environmental independence in various neurotypical and clinical population samples.