Virtual reality skinner box: A step-by-step guide with Unity and Spatial.io

Virtual reality (VR) and immersive virtual reality (iVR) enable users to experience computer-generated, three-dimensional environments that can replicate real-world settings or create entirely fictional ones. Despite growing interest in the use of immersive technologies in research, designing and programming virtual environments, particularly without professional support, can be especially challenging due to technical complexity, cost, and the need for programming skills. To address these challenges and support researchers and students interested in developing experimental tasks in VR and iVR, this tutorial introduces the Spatial.io platform for virtual environment deployment, along with the Spatial Creator Toolkit for Unity. A detailed, step-by-step guide is provided for setting up a virtual operant conditioning chamber compatible with head-mounted displays (HMDs), mobile devices, and web browsers. The tutorial covers key development stages, including account setup, Unity project configuration, 3D model integration, incorporation of preconfigured Spatial components, and implementation of task logic using C#. By reducing technical barriers, this resource aims to promote the broader adoption of immersive virtual technologies in behavioral research.