A team of Australian researchers from Edith Cowan University explored how virtual reality (VR) can illuminate criminal thought processes and reactions. The work was reported in Scientific Reports, a reputable science journal that publishes peer-reviewed studies across disciplines.
In a forensic psychology project, 101 participants stepped into two parallel virtual scenarios that placed them in the shoes of shoplifting criminals. After acting as the suspects, the participants faced a simulated interrogation within the VR space to observe how they would respond under scrutiny.
The study revealed that immersing individuals in a criminal role within VR could induce a plausible, albeit artificial, motivation to commit wrongdoing and might encourage deceptive responses during the VR interrogation. The researchers described this dynamic as a key insight into how a digital environment can shape moral decision making and behavior under pressure.
These findings suggest broad applications for VR technology in law enforcement and investigative work. Officers and investigators can use immersive simulations to recreate crime scenes, practice interviewing techniques, and study how real-life suspects might behave in moments of high tension. Such simulations can help clarify the sequence of events and the emotional states that influence decision making in critical incidents.
Beyond policing, VR has a longstanding track record in medical training, where researchers have shown that skills acquired in virtual simulators can transfer to real procedures. The present work adds a similar dimension to criminology and forensic science by highlighting how VR experiences can contribute to training, crime analysis, and the development of evidence-based interrogation strategies.