Asri Widowati, Arina Zaida Ilma, Astuti Wijayanti, Yuli Arti
Mobile virtual reality (VR) has become a promising and accessible tool for enhancing cognitive learning in education. This meta-analysis, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes 43 effect sizes from 25 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025. Using a two-level random-effects model in JASP, the study evaluates the impact of mobile VR on cognitive outcomes such as factual knowledge, spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and conceptual transfer. The results show a moderate, statistically significant effect (Hedges’ g = 0.47), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.2%). A temporal trend indicates decreasing effect sizes over time, from strong effects in earlier studies (g = 1.62 in 2022) to smaller effects in recent, more rigorous research (g = 0.16 in 2025). Subgroup analyses reveal greater effectiveness in STEM fields and higher education. No significant publication bias was found. The findings support mobile VR’s cognitive benefits but highlight the need for improved methods and standardized outcome measures. © 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Natural Science Education Department, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Primary Teacher Education Department, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Indonesia; Natural Science Education Department, Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa, Indonesia
