Virtual reality replays of sports performance: Effects on memory, feeling of competence, and performance

Memory can be altered after receipt of misleading information; the misinformation effect was first studied almost 40 years ago. Later studies showed that suggestive information could even lead to the creation of new false memories in people. Whereas previous research focused primarily on false information about passively observed events, we aimed to investigate whether memory for one's own physical performance can be altered by means of false, manipulated replays of these events in virtual reality, displayed from a first person viewpoint. We further explored the possibility of using the misinformation effect beneficially, by investigating whether it can affect feeling of competence, as well as subsequent sports performance. Participants (N = 27) took four series of shots at a goalpost on a soccer field. Between these series, they were shown three different types of virtual reality replays of their performance; one accurate representation of actual performance and two manipulated versions, one that made performance seem worse (negative manipulation) and one that made performance seem better (positive manipulation). Participants rated their feeling of competence before and after each replay and rated how accurately the replay displayed their real-life shots at the goal. The manipulated replays were considered equally accurate representations of actual performance as the non-manipulated ones. Also, the type of replay manipulation positively correlated with feeling of competence but did not influence sports performance. The present study showed that memory for one's own physical performance can be altered by means of manipulated virtual reality replays and that this can be used beneficially.