High fidelity, high performance?
Developers of medical simulators and instructors who use them often have questions about the level of fidelity needed in a simulation. In this article, we address the nature of fidelity with respect to virtual reality training systems. We argue that high-fidelity simulators do not always lead to better performance, and in some instances, can interfere with performance. The primary reason for these seemingly counterintuitive findings lies with a fundamental understanding of how humans perceive and process sensory information. Consequently, simulation-based training systems should be developed to maximize their effectiveness, not their fidelity.
Scerbo
Mark W
MW
Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA. mscerbo@odu.edu
Dawson
Steven
S
D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000592:standards*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D014584:User-Computer Interface