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This study used a mixed method research model based on a quasi-experimental research design. In this design, two groups, divided on their individual cognitive style (field dependence/ field independence), interacted with the same desktop VR treatment of a crime scene. An extreme-group design was used to assign subjects to the two cognitive style groups based on their Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) scores. Gender, years of law enforcement experience, and levels of computer experience were self-reported by subjects. Navigational behaviors in the virtual environment were recorded through observation and Camtasia 6.0 screen capture software for quantitative and qualitative analysis of differences. Configurational or survey knowledge acquisition was measured by having subjects draw a crime scene sketch from memory, after they had completed interacting with the VR treatment. The sketches were assessed independently by three crime scene experts, and quantitative measures of inter-judge reliability were calculated.

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Dr. Paul Kroutter is a retired Broken Arrow Police Captain with 34 years of law enforcement experience. He serves as an Assistant Professor and Criminal Justice Department Head at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. He holds a B.S. and M.S. degree in criminal justice and received his Ph.D. in Education from Oklahoma State University in 2010.

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