Planning Ability in Tower of London and a Virtual Kitchen Environment: in View of Embodied Cognition

Abstract

The Tower of London (TOL) Test is a neuropsychological tool designed to assess mental planning ability (Shallice, 1982), which is an important domain in executive functions. However, neuropsychological assessments that reflect the classic theory of cognition, such as the Tower of London, have limitations. As embodied cognitive theory provides an important theoretical foundation for executive function, the need to develop and adjust tool kits to measuring Executive Function is emerging. Also, although the test can be sensitive to frontal brain damage, it can be difficult to measure everyday functions due to its low ecological validity. We suggest a new clinical approach that the Tower of London in the virtual environment maintains a simulation of the embodied body and real-life space around it.