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A sense of presence plays a significant role in virtual reality (VR) usability, yet there is limited research of its existence in a virtual reality flight simulator (VRFS). Similarly, there is scarce investigation of situational awareness (SA) in a VRFS. Consequently, this paper discusses an experiment that explored presence and SA in a VRFS. Physiological responses are also captured. The results reveal that participants felt a high degree of presence in a VRFS, and felt immersed and involved. The sense of presence contributed to good SA, and physiological data identified increased stress levels. These results are an important step in the exploration of VR in the field of aviation training. However, more research is required to identify how and where VR could be applied.

Objective: Despite increasing emphasis on work placements in higher education, there has been limited research into international students' experiences in undertaking work placements, particularly for psychology postgraduate students. Moreover, much research on international students emphasises the difficulties they experience. We argue a shift to acknowledging and building on the strengths of international students may bring benefits to both students and workplaces. Our project examined the strengths international postgraduate psychology students brought to their work placements, and the benefits of those strengths for both the students and the workplaces. Method: Semi-structured interviews with eleven international students and six supervisors. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, as part of a qualitative research paradigm. Results: We identified four key strengths international students used to enhance their learning and performance on work placements: intercultural competencies, personal attributes, transition skills, and situation awareness. The use of effective reflection and supervisory practices facilitated the use of these skills. Conclusion: We discuss the implications of our findings for higher education providers using a strengths-based approach to support international psychology students on work placements. We outline suggested changes to student orientation and professional development for supervisors that higher education providers can make to enhance the training and preparation of both students and their supervisors. Further, we suggest that some of these changes would also improve the experience of domestic students.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the safety attitudes of surgeons and nurses working in Australian operating rooms and establish a baseline of their general safety attitudes, as well as to compare the safety attitudes of surgeons and nurses working in operating room settings.MethodsA modified version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (Operating Room version) was distributed to operating room personnel across Australia via their relative colleges and unions. A total of 261 surgeons and registered nurses completed the online survey.ResultsAn above-average safety focus was reported, with participants tending to be more positive on all subscales of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (Operating Room version) than reported by previous studies, which measured those working in intensive care units, ambulatory settings, and operating rooms. Participants had the most positive attitudes toward Teamwork Climate and Job Satisfaction, and the least positive attitudes toward Perceptions of Management and Work Conditions. There were some occupational differences in attitudes toward the various aspects of safety, with surgeons having more positive attitudes toward all aspects of safety except in relation to stress recognition, compared with nurses.ConclusionsThis study provides a baseline of general safety attitudes for Australian surgeons and nurses against which the effectiveness of future interventions can be interpreted. The occupational differences found in this study support the notion that safety interventions should be occupationally tailored. Interventions should target individual professional groups, taking into account the specific differences within each occupation to maximize their impact and effectiveness.