Watch the edited Presentation Here.
Abstract: Virtual Reality is of significant interest within fundamental cognitive science research probing the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning optimal performance under environmental stress. VR can allow for systematic manipulation of conditions that would be difficult to control in real situations. It is also of interest with respect to how we can prepare individuals for exposure to real-world challenges by simulating stress and challenge (such as height exposure, or skydiving).
This talk will spotlight Dave's work with adventure training organisations including the charity MAST which takes youngsters out to sea on tall ships. Within this programme he aims to explore how VR can help train participants in the challenge and skills of sailing, as well as other applications of the technology to educate about the maritime environment and maritime heritage. Within this sector, mental health is of major focus, and to this end VR might also be of value in the coaching and therapeutic arenas.
Taking an 'Adventure Psychology' approach, VR is an integral tool for: manipulating context to measure fundamental responses to stress and challenge; increasing engagement to the context that will be experienced 'for real' in order to foster skills appropriate to tasks encountered; and even to potentially help individuals overcome mental health challenges by introducing them to adventure-based scenarios.
About the Speaker: Dave is a cognitive scientist, Chartered Psychologist interested in the intersection between brain function (Cognitv) and adventure experiences (Explorer) - namely how adventurous environments and pursuits impact on mental fitness and capacity to perform to one's best. He is also an adventurer, with over 20 years of experience applying experimental psychology methods to understand how human behaviour is dependent on environmental context.
This includes working in the consumer goods sector (as a consumer psychologist), and with multiple world class academic institutions on a range of applied real world questions. He currently work with extreme sports athletes to understand how certain individuals perform 'at the edge', and to apply these insights to help people achieve optimal performance in daily life.