Comparing the Impact of State Versus Trait Factors on Memory Performance in a Virtual Reality Flight Simulator

Situation Awareness (SA) is an important predictor of critical incidents in the aviation domain. Virtual Reality (VR) simulators provide a safe setting for training pilot SA. Despite the necessity of integrating auditory information for SA, it is unknown if the integration of auditory information is impacted by state and trait variables. The present work investigated the utility of a novel state versus trait framework in predicting SA, based on auditory information, in a VR flight environment. It was expected that VR induced states would account for most of the variance found in SA. Using structural equation modeling, causal models were developed to quantify the relationship of VR state, non-VR state, and trait variables to SA during VR flight. VR-induced state, non-VR-induced state, and trait variables predicted approximately two thirds of the variability in SA. VR flight simulation is increasingly integrated into military, commercial, and general aviation. Thus, VR flight training protocols and assessments should consider both state and trait factors examined in this study when recruiting or training new pilots.