Virtual Reality in Criminological Research

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr William (Patrick) McClanaghan delivers a seminar on their research - 

Virtual Reality (VR) is a powerful and emerging research tool within the social sciences. VR holds great potential for criminologist. It allows researchers to observe and assess behavior that is difficult or unethical to observe in the real world (i.e., crime). Additionally, VR can be used to resilience in soon-to-be-released offenders, by allowing them to practice and successfully overcome common challenges that they are likely to face upon release. In this talk, I will draw on my own research using VR to assess burglary decision-making in a sample of incarcerated burglars to show VR can help us better understand and prevent crime. Additionally, I will provide examples of how VR can be used a re-entry and rehabilitation tool to prevent reoffending. I will conclude with a brief discussion on the future of using technology such as VR and Artificial Intelligence in criminology, as well as ethical considerations.

Arrivals from 11:45 am for a 12:00 noon start. For those joining in-person, lunch will be served after the seminar from 1:00pm.

This event is hybrid format, please use the required booking button at the bottom of the page to choose either in-person or online attendance.
(Please note that in-person spaces are limited and booking is required, so we can manage numbers for catering and also the space inside International House)

By booking a place at this event, attendees agree to behave in a respectful manner such that everyone feels comfortable contributing as they wish. The IAS reserves the right to eject anyone who does not abide by this policy.

IAS seminars are typically recorded, minus any Q&A sessions at the end, again to encourage contributions. The recordings are then uploaded to our website on a Fellows bio page and/or Programme page, along with our IAS YouTube Channel. If you are not able to attend a seminar live, please do still register as we will email everyone who registered to let them know once the recordings are made available.