Evaluating the Impact of Multisensory Multitasking and Cognitive Load on Task Performance in Virtual Environments

As virtual reality (VR) technologies advance, understanding the implications of multisensory multitasking and cognitive load on task performance within ecologically valid contexts has become paramount. This literature review explores the multifaceted relationships among visual, auditory, and haptic stimuli integration in virtual environments by synthesizing existing research on the interplay between multisensory processing and cognitive load, particularly within the dynamic and immersive landscape of virtual environments, aiming to evaluate their collective impact on cognitive load and subsequent effects on task performance. Drawing on the theoretical foundations of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), Multisensory Processing Theories, and the reviewed studies it is observed that engaging in multisensory multitasking in VR will result in variations in cognitive load, subsequently influencing attention allocation and information processing thereby impacting task performance outcomes. In some cases, the integration of complementary sensory information can improve efficiency and overall task performance. Nevertheless, challenges arise when conflicting inputs induce cognitive overload, particularly in complex, high task-load scenarios. These findings demonstrate that the relative contribution of these modalities and the advantageous effects of their integration are task-dependent. Furthermore, the ecological approach to multisensory processing is considered, emphasizing the functional significance of these interactions within the immersive context of virtual environments. This paper aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the impact of multisensory multitasking on cognitive load and task performance in VR. The implications extend to diverse fields such as education, simulation-based training, and human-computer interaction, providing a foundation for future research endeavors and practical applications in leveraging multisensory stimuli for optimized cognitive performance in virtual environments.