Mixed Reality and Experimental Psychology: the study of the Sniffy Pro - Virtual Mouse experience

Abstract

This article aims to describe the experience and learning possibilities of Experimental Psychology and Behavior Analysis through Sniffy Pro software 'the virtual mouse' in a mixed reality experience. The development of a discipline with an experimental nature has been increasingly scarce in the curriculum of psychology courses. Vivisection practices are increasingly gaining scientific and methodological criticism and facing barriers regulated by law, mainly regarding procedures for the scientific use of animals. The use of digital information and communication technologies to provide the best possible experience for their students in subjects related to modeling and analysis of human behavior, thus mixed reality, as a technology to enhance experiences in the digital and real world, comes to present itself as possible alternatives. The methodological procedure was carried out in two stages: (i) data collection through interaction and the recording of the mouse behavior modeling in the Sniffy Pro software, (ii) construction of cartographic maps (field diary) based on the method of cartography. The immersion in observing the behavior of the mouse and in the interaction and manipulation of the virtual environment in which the mouse is found, it can be seen in some moments that the interaction process has become realistic to the point of imagining the interaction with the real mouse making the mixed experience exciting for modeling behavior, however, in relation to the learning process, it can be characterized as insufficient in terms of developing the skills of psychology graduates, as the possibilities are limited and directed by teachers, I use Sniffy pro software.