title: A 3D virtual environment rod and frame test: the reliability and validity of four traditional scoring methods for older adults.
abstract: This study introduced a 3D rod-and-frame test in a virtual environment (VERF) and evaluated its reliability and concurrent validity according to four scoring methods previously used with 2D tests. Thirty nonimpaired older adults (15 men; 15 women) aged 64-86 (M=73.6) manipulated a rod in a semi-immersive 3D virtual environment. Results suggested that the conventional 2D scoring method of absolute deviation from vertical was the most reliable method (alpha=.79; gamma=.89). This approach also had higher correlations with traditional neuropsychological measures of spatial ability than three other methods. Given the availability of a reliable and valid scoring method, the VERF may result in previously unavailable insights through the measurement of visuospatial abilities in 3D.
authors.affiliation: Fuller Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Psychology, Pasadena, CA, USA
authors.forename: Greg M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Reger
authors.forename: Jocelyn S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: McGee
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van der Zaag
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thiebaux
authors.forename: J Galen
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Galen Buckwalter
authors.forename: Albert A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Rizzo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D005364:Field Dependence-Independence; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014796:Visual Perception