Effects of Virtual Reality Learning Contexts on Foreign Language Words Production: Behavioral and EEG Evidence

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1041.2026.1132

Abstract

Abstract:

While Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising approach to second language (L2) learning, its specific impact on L2 vocabulary production remains unclear. Combining VR technology with EEG, this study investigated the behavioral and neural effects of immersive VR contexts on L2 vocabulary production, compared to a traditional picture-word (PW) context. Behavioral results indicated that words learned in VR yielded higher accuracy during immediate testing, though this advantage dissipated in the delayed phase. ERP analyses revealed that VR-acquired words elicited smaller P200 and LPC amplitudes during the immediate test. Additionally, time-frequency analysis showed stronger μ-band suppression and reduced θ-band power under the VR condition. These findings indicate that VR contexts utilize sensorimotor simulation to enhance the embodied processing of linguistic input, facilitating subsequent vocabulary retrieval and production. This study provides strong electrophysiological and behavioral evidence for Embodied Cognition Theory.

Key words: Virtual reality, foreign word acquisition, word production, EEG, Time-frequency analysis

Liu Cong, Liu Qiuxia, Zhu Mengrui, Jiao Lu, Wang Ruiming. (2026). Effects of Virtual Reality Learning Contexts on Foreign Language Words Production: Behavioral and EEG Evidence. Acta Psychologica Sinica, 58(6), 1132-1142.

Figures/Tables 4

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the VR context.

Figure 2. Naming accuracy (left panel) and reaction time (right panel) for foreign vocabulary learned in the VR and PW contexts.
Note. * p < 0.05; ns = non-significant.

Figure 3. P200 and LPC waveforms elicited by vocabulary naming in the VR and PW contexts.

Figure 4. Time-frequency bands and time-frequency spectrograms elicited by vocabulary naming in the VR and PW contexts.

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