Abstract
Virtual reality has become popular in sport and other domains because it can immerse the user within a sporting context and solve logistical problems for additional off-field training. There is limited evidence, however, of whether immersion is crucial for learning and transfer. This study compared training of decision-making skill between 360-degree video virtual reality (360VR) and two-dimensional video. Twenty-eight Australian Rules Football players were randomly assigned to one of three training groups: 360VR, two-dimensional video, and control. Across four weeks, participants in the training groups were exposed to decision-making scenarios consisting of visual, contextual and auditory cues. Performance was assessed pre- and post-training with virtual reality and field-based decision-making tests. Results indicated that the two-dimensional video training group showed significantly superior decision-making in the field-based transfer test compared to 360VR and control groups post intervention. There was also indication that two-dimensional video training was superior to the control post intervention in the virtual reality test. Findings indicate that immersion created in virtual reality is not an underpinning mechanism for learning and transfer, rather the use of perceptual information is crucial. 360VR may facilitate uptake through engagement, but two-dimensional video is adequate for learning and transfer of decision-making to the field.
Keywords
virtual reality, decision making, sports performance, skill acquisition, perceptual-cognitive training, transfer of learning
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
10-1-2026
Article Number
159
E-ISSN
14302772
ISSN
03400727
Volume
90
Issue
5
PubMed ID
42690462
Publication Title
Psychological Research
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Hoyne, Z. G., Morris-Binelli, K., Müller, S., Piggott, B., Chivers, P., & Dekker, E. (2026). The role of simulator immersion on learning and transfer of decision-making skill in sport. Psychological Research, 90, Article 159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-026-02372-9