Simulation fidelity design informed by physiologically-based measurement tools

Abstract

Virtual environments (VE's) and simulations are being employed for training applications in a wide variety of disciplines, both military and civilian. The common assumption is that the more realistic the VE, the better the transfer of training to real world tasks. However, some aspects of task content and fidelity may result in stronger transfer of training than even the most high fidelity simulations. A physiologically-based system capable of dynamically detecting changes in operator behavior and physiology throughout a VE experience and comparing those changes to operator behavior and physiology in real-world tasks, could potentially determine which aspects of VE fidelity will have the highest impact on transfer of training. Thus, development of training assessment and guidance tools that utilize operator behavior and physiology to determine VE effectiveness and transfer of training are needed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.