# Development of a Virtual Reality Tool for Train Crew Training
## 3 Methodology  
The project task concerned verifying the developed training tool that uses IVR technology and offers a dedicated elevator operation scenario for people with disabilities by railway staff (conductors). The study involved 53 volunteers who had not previously operated the device. They were also informed that the obtained results would be used for scientific purposes (including publications) and to improve the developed training program.  
The research carried out as part of the presented project task aimed to answer four research questions. Therefore, six research tasks were set, the implementation of which made it possible to answer the formulated questions. The research questions and developed tasks are presented in Figure 4.  
The entire experiment was carried out following the developed research methodology, which consisted of five stages of the procedure. The research procedure with the assigned tasks is presented in Figure 5.  
In the conducted research, the project team was supported by four professional instructors who completed training for conductors at a selected railway carrier. The experiment was carried out in a specially prepared training room. The first stage of the investigation was to introduce the IVR tool to the course participants and discuss all the activities that should be performed with the instructor during the entire training period according to the training scenario. The instructor confirmed the understanding of all instructions by the course participants after discussing the guidelines for the implementation of the training. The training was carried out in several training groups so that it was possible to verify various training strategies.  
All performed tasks were measured during the implementation of individual operations by the training participants. The measurement was carried out traditionally outside the virtual environment. Members of the research team measured each trainee individually. The analysis of the duration of the operation by the trainees was based primarily on three statistical parameters: arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. The calculated arithmetic average for each activity formed the basis for estimating the time-consuming execution of each procedural step. On this basis, activities with long execution times and that suggested a high degree of difficulty in their implementation were identified. The calculated standard deviation formed the basis for identifying discrepancies in the execution times of individual participants. The coefficient of variation is calculated based on the ratio of the standard deviation to the arithmetic mean. This measure provided the basis for identifying operations for which their performance depends on the skills and psycho-physical characteristics of the trainee.  
Figure 4: Research questions and tasks.  
Interviews with trainees and instructors were conducted by the members of the project team immediately after the end of the training. The survey took the form of direct, unstructured interviews. The study aimed to collect participants' opinions about their experiences (emotions) during the training, opinions about the training tool, and the identification of potential for improvement.  
Training strategies were developed based on literature studies and direct observations. Two methods were used to assess the effectiveness of the developed training program--a practical test carried out on a real object and an accompanying observation carried out by two experts (a member of the project team and an experienced instructor). On this basis, a static analysis was carried out using time measurements collected during the conducted observation.