Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
8-2024
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph. D.
Department
Industrial Engineering
Degree Program
Industrial Engineering, PhD
Committee Chair
Saleem, Jason
Committee Member
Gerber, Erin
Committee Member
DePuy, Gail
Committee Member
Lauf, Adrian
Author's Keywords
Extended reality (XR); law enforcement training; immersive learning environments; simulation-based learning; police training technology; training effectiveness
Abstract
Introduction: Extended reality (XR) technologies offer innovative training solutions for various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, sports, military, and law enforcement. XR can provide a solution for training where job tasks are difficult or near impossible to train in real-life. A human factors research and design approach could provide an effective, low-risk, and cost and time-efficient option for integrating the use of XR technology into training for many industries. To advance this goal, this research answered two main research questions: (1) What training needs/challenges are best suited for an XR training system designed for law enforcement officers (LEOs)? (2) Can an XR-based training system provide improved LEO training outcomes compared to a current-in-place system? Methods: The research was divided into two phases. Phase One involved field-based research at facilities using XR technologies or training LEOs, with data collected through site visit observations and semi-structured interviews. The interview data were analyzed using an established data segmentation and coding process. Phase Two involved a lab-based, hypothesis-driven experiment informed by Phase One. University of Louisville students participated in a single-factor, between-subjects study. Participants were assigned to an experimental or control group and trained on a system utilizing XR technology or a non-XR training system. Training system usability, participant performance on a written knowledge test and two practical application tests, and perceived mental workload during those tests were evaluated. Data from Phase Two were analyzed using t-tests and Chi-Square Tests of Association, where appropriate. Results: Phase One identified barriers and facilitators when using XR systems, training system needs and challenges, and law enforcement training focus areas. Phase Two presents statistical analyses of usability, participant performance, and perceived mental workload measures. All other measures being equal, the control group showed better knowledge gain while the experimental group excelled in skills performance. Discussion and Conclusion: The control group performed better on the knowledge test, while the experimental group excelled during the practical application tests; implications of these results are explored, including directions for future study. This research contributes to the understanding of XR’s potential in training, particularly for law enforcement.
Recommended Citation
Read, Jacob Maxwell, "Virtual engagement: can law enforcement benefit from utilizing extended reality in their training systems?" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4432.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/etd/4432
