Researchers wanted to investigate whether training firefighters using an immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation is more effective than standard flat-screen computer simulation training. In a controlled laboratory study, 60 trainee firefighters were randomly allocated to one of the two training methods.
After completing their respective training programs, all participants were tested in a physical tactical simulator. The researchers recorded two metrics: their hazard detection score (out of 50, where higher scores indicate better hazard identification) and their reaction time to a sudden ceiling collapse hazard (measured in seconds). The results are shown in Table 1 below.
Analyse the data in Table 1 to explain three conclusions that the researchers might draw from these results.
Table 1: Means and Standard Deviations for Hazard Detection Scores and Reaction Times
| Immersive VR Training | Flat-Screen Training | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean | Standard deviation | Mean | Standard deviation | |
| Hazard detection score | 44.20 | 2.15 | 31.80 | 8.40 |
| Reaction time (seconds) | 1.45 | 0.22 | 2.95 | 1.15 |
638 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Methods. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.