Collecting ‘real’ data in Virtual Reality (VR) settings: Best practices

Virtual Reality (VR) is of growing interest to language learning researchers, in large part due to VR’s ability to immerse students in realistic imitations of environments where target languages can be practiced. However, to determine whether or not VR is effective for language learning, informative data must be collected while students are in these virtual settings. Many researchers are still unsure of best practices for collecting VR data, and there are significant obstacles to setting up and implementing both qualitative and quantitative research in these environments. This chapter provides concrete recommendations on how to conduct research using VR and covers topics such as how to: select analytical frames, establish a research site, acquire and set up VR headsets, train participants to use VR equipment and platforms, organize participants during class time, reliably capture the VR learning experience, and analyze VR data.