Planning an experiment in a virtual environment reality as a place of research on human behaviour using methods of neuroscience measuremen : bibliometric analysis and methodological approach

The methods used in cognitive neuroscience allow through measurement methods to analyze the behavior of subjects. In the opinion of the authors, the application of the experiment in a virtual environment and the measurement of brain activity can obtain a detailed analysis of the information and knowledge of the subject. For this to happen, however, it is important that the entire course of the study is carried out in accordance with the assumptions, without errors that could affect the incorrect interpretation of the results obtained. Planning an experiment focuses on planning all the details involved in carrying out the study (Hicks, 1973, Goodwin, 2008). Therefore, in the course of the research, the authors sought information on the methodology of experimental research carried out in a virtual reality environment with the use of selected tools of cognitive neuroscience, including in particular the use of virtual reality (VR), electroencephalograph (EEG) and eye tracking. Valuable knowledge and information on this topic can be found, among others, in the publication of B Rey, M Alcañiz in the article "Research in neuroscience and virtual reality" [1] in which the importance of the implementation of research in virtual reality is highlighted. The authors believe that VR is an ideal tool to "generate controlled environments the can be used to observe human behavior. Different aspects can be analyzed from a neuroscience perspective, including perception, control of movement, learning, memory, and emotional aspects. "However, in order to assess the extent to which the experimental method in combination with technology allows for reliable information and knowledge management, it was necessary to look at considerations of the research methodology. Therefore, as the first stage, a bibliometric study was adopted, the analysis of the content contained in three databases such as WoS, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The analyses carried out showed a small percentage of publications presenting the methodology of implementation of an experimental study in VR treated as an environment in which research is carried out, within which the aforementioned methods of measurement from the field of neuroscience were applied. Based on the analysis, the authors, on the basis of selected materials in which the research processes have been well-grounded in methodology, as well as on their own research experience, will present the stages of design and implementation of an experimental study carried out in the virtual reality environment using the indicated methods of cognitive neuroscience. Based on a case study, they presented the activities carried out in the course of analyzed events, as well as pointed to potential errors that may occur in the course of research. A supermarket was taken as the virtual location of the study.