Novelty Enhances Memory: Besides Providing Novel Spatial Environments, Virtual Reality also Constitutes a Novel Distinctive Experience

Non-human studies demonstrated that spatial novelty boosts memory for unrelated information encountered shortly after a novel experience, but evidence in humans remains debated. To simulate novel environments, virtual reality (VR) has been used in multiple studies, but findings are inconclusive. To investigate, we conducted two studies. The first, with 55 participants, compared memory recall of word lists that were encoded at baseline, and after exploring a novel and a familiar spatial VR environment. While the novel environment had no significant positive impact on memory, we found that, compared to baseline, recall increased after VR use (regardless of environment novelty/familiarity). The second study, with 32 participants, compared memory recall for words encoded after VR exploration versus watching a nature documentary. Results revealed better recall after VR exploration. We discuss how VR, as a novel experience, but also as a tool folstering positive emotions, feeling of presence, and self-efficacy, may enhance memory.