Embodied Minds in Virtual Worlds: Bridging Embodied Cognition and Experimental Methodology

Authors: Darcy Culliton, Alexia Toskos Dils

SUNY Campus: Purchase College

Presentation Type: Oral

Location: UUW 324

Presentation #: 1

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: The study of cognition has undergone a radical transformation, moving beyond classical computational models toward dynamic, embodied, and interactive frameworks. Traditional cognitive science has often relied on symbolic representation and linear computational strategies, yet emerging perspectives—such as embodied cognition, dynamic systems theory, and predictive processing—offer a more integrated and fluid understanding of cognitive phenomena. These frameworks reject the notion of cognition as an isolated process within the brain, instead emphasizing the interdependence of brain, body, and environment in shaping perception, action, and thought. This review explores the experimental methodologies that arise from these embodied and dynamic theories, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize psychological research. Virtual reality (VR) presents a particularly powerful tool in this regard, enabling researchers to manipulate perception, embodiment, and agency in ways previously impossible. By leveraging VR's capacity to create controlled yet immersive environments, new experimental paradigms can investigate how cognitive processes emerge from interactions with dynamically shifting affordances. The paper is structured as follows: first, a detailed discussion of embodied cognition, dynamic systems, and predictive processing will illustrate how these theoretical approaches redefine our understanding of cognitive function. Next, we examine how these perspectives drive the development of novel experimental methodologies that move beyond static, reductionist paradigms. Finally, we consider how VR enables unique manipulations of consciousness and cognition, offering new avenues for studying perception, action, and self-representation. Through this review, we highlight the necessity of shifting toward experimental designs which reflect contemporary cognitive theory.