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

Attention is a fundamental aspect of cognition. It differentially influences virtually every cognitive function, necessitating an adequate understanding of its constituents and underlying neural mechanisms. Accordingly, there is abundant research into alerting, orienting, and executive “attention networks”. However, rapid advancements in mobile technology such as readily available high-quality virtual reality (VR) headsets offer new means for attention assessment and further exploration of the interaction and integration of these attentional networks. Prior results obtained with an adapted version of the Attention Network Test-Revised (ANT-R; Fan et al, 2009) implemented in VR (ANT-VR; Tekampe et al., 2023) already confirmed overall compatibility of computerised and VR assessment in terms of operationally defined network effects. The current study utilised the high degree of experimental flexibility and control provided by VR headsets to investigate the effects of ecologically more valid stimuli and feedback, with analyses targeting the interaction and integration of attentional networks. In one experimental session, participants performed the standard computerised and the adapted VR test in a within-subject design. Results confirmed the general similarity of network measurements obtained with the ANT-R and ANTVR. Some differences were also observed, e.g., alerting negatively impacted conflict processing in the ANT-R but not in the ANT-VR. Participants additionally reported good overall utilisation of the VR headset. These findings confirm that the ANT-VR offers a valid mobile test environment for attention assessment and research.