Virtual Reality, Mental Models, and Mindful Decision-Making

Sun, Heshan, Li, Siyuan, Tseng, Shih-Lun, Peterson, Mary A.

Journal of the Association for Information Systems · 2025 · Volume 26 · Issue 4

Abstract

This research investigates virtual reality presentation (VR), revealing its impact on users’ mental models and mindful decision-making. We identify two fundamental features of VR: interactive viewing and depth cues. Through the lens of mental model theory, we explore how these two features shape users’ mental models and subsequently influence their mindfulness in decision-making. Two lab experiments were conducted to examine our research model. Study 1 examines interactive viewing and depth cues separately to assess their distinct impacts on the key components of users’ mental models—perceived control and acquired information. Study 2 employs an integrated VR presentation technology (i.e., Meta Quest 2) to explore the overall effect of VR presentations on users’ mental models and mindful decision-making. Results largely support our hypotheses. This research highlights the unique effects of VR presentation and its features, emphasizing enhanced user control and information acquisition in fostering high-quality mental models that increase mindfulness in users’ decisions in the online environment. These findings have significant implications for both research and practice of VR presentations.

Keywords

Virtual Reality, Interactive Viewing, Depth Cues, Mental Model, Perceived Control, Mindfulness, Mindful Decision-Making

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