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Exploring electroencephalographic data collected in virtual reality evacuation experiments

Zoghi, Yousefali LU (2026) In LUTVDG/TVBB VBRM05 20261
Division of Fire Safety Engineering
Abstract
Virtual reality is increasingly used in evacuation research because it allows human behaviour to be studied in controlled and safe experimental conditions. At the same time, behavioural observation alone may not fully explain how participants perceive, process, and respond to emergency cues.
This thesis explores the potential role of electroencephalography (EEG) in VR evacuation experiments, with a focus on how brain signal data may support the interpretation of participant responses during VR evacuation scenarios. The study provides an overview of EEG and its relevance for understanding cognitive and physiological responses. It then reviews existing research on the use of EEG in virtual environments, with attention to current practices,... (More)
Virtual reality is increasingly used in evacuation research because it allows human behaviour to be studied in controlled and safe experimental conditions. At the same time, behavioural observation alone may not fully explain how participants perceive, process, and respond to emergency cues.
This thesis explores the potential role of electroencephalography (EEG) in VR evacuation experiments, with a focus on how brain signal data may support the interpretation of participant responses during VR evacuation scenarios. The study provides an overview of EEG and its relevance for understanding cognitive and physiological responses. It then reviews existing research on the use of EEG in virtual environments, with attention to current practices, methodological choices, and limitations in the field.
The thesis also covers the potential behavioural interpretations through VR scene interactions and physiological measurements. Based on this understanding, a prototype analysis pipeline is introduced to explore how EEG data collected during VR evacuation experiments may be organised, inspected, and connected to behavioural information.
A case study based on a VR emergency evacuation experiment is used to examine the practical value of this approach. The case study demonstrates how EEG data can be considered alongside VR screen recordings and event annotations to support a more detailed interpretation of participant behaviour.
The thesis does not aim to provide a final or universal method for EEG analysis. Instead, it argues that EEG should be understood as one layer within a broader interpretation process, especially when combined with VR scene interactions, physiological measurements, and questionnaire data. Overall, the work contributes to the development of a structured and cautious approach for using EEG data in VR evacuation research. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Zoghi, Yousefali LU
supervisor
organization
course
VBRM05 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
evacuation, EEG, VR, egress, fire safety
publication/series
LUTVDG/TVBB
report number
5767
other publication id
LUTVDG/TVBB—5767--SE
language
English
id
9230313
date added to LUP
2026-06-03 09:12:23
date last changed
2026-06-03 09:12:23
@misc{9230313,
  abstract     = {{Virtual reality is increasingly used in evacuation research because it allows human behaviour to be studied in controlled and safe experimental conditions. At the same time, behavioural observation alone may not fully explain how participants perceive, process, and respond to emergency cues. 
This thesis explores the potential role of electroencephalography (EEG) in VR evacuation experiments, with a focus on how brain signal data may support the interpretation of participant responses during VR evacuation scenarios. The study provides an overview of EEG and its relevance for understanding cognitive and physiological responses. It then reviews existing research on the use of EEG in virtual environments, with attention to current practices, methodological choices, and limitations in the field. 
The thesis also covers the potential behavioural interpretations through VR scene interactions and physiological measurements. Based on this understanding, a prototype analysis pipeline is introduced to explore how EEG data collected during VR evacuation experiments may be organised, inspected, and connected to behavioural information. 
A case study based on a VR emergency evacuation experiment is used to examine the practical value of this approach. The case study demonstrates how EEG data can be considered alongside VR screen recordings and event annotations to support a more detailed interpretation of participant behaviour. 
The thesis does not aim to provide a final or universal method for EEG analysis. Instead, it argues that EEG should be understood as one layer within a broader interpretation process, especially when combined with VR scene interactions, physiological measurements, and questionnaire data. Overall, the work contributes to the development of a structured and cautious approach for using EEG data in VR evacuation research.}},
  author       = {{Zoghi, Yousefali}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{LUTVDG/TVBB}},
  title        = {{Exploring electroencephalographic data collected in virtual reality evacuation experiments}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}