The cognitive effects of delayed visual feedback: Working memory disruption while driving in virtual environments

Abstract

Experiments that have been conducted using virtual reality based driving tasks in order to investigate the effects of delayed visual feedback are described. Results show that visual interference tasks and visual delays both have a similarly detrimental effect on performance. A potential explanation for the cognitive failures involved in delayed visual feedback is outlined; namely a disruption to working memory. In addition to this theoretical and experimental work a review of pertinent literature is also included along with a brief summary of our experience of using virtual reality technology in human factors experimentation.