The Contrasting Effects of an Action Video Game on Visuo-Spatial Processing and Proactive Cognitive Control

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2020 Jul 26

PMID 32708906

Citations 4

Authors

Robert West

Edward L Swing

Craig A Anderson

Sara Prot

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

First person shooter or action video games represent one of the most popular genres within the gaming industry. Studies reveal that action gaming experience leads to enhancements of visuo-spatial processing. In contrast, some correlational evidence reveals that experience with action video games may be associated with reduced proactive cognitive control. The two primary goals of the current study were to test the causal nature of the effect of action gaming on proactive cognitive control and to examine whether an increase in visuo-spatial processing and a decrease in proactive cognitive control arise from the same amount of experience playing an action video game. Participants completed tasks measuring visuo-spatial processing and cognitive control before and after 10 practice sessions involving one of three video games or were assigned to a no gaming experience control group. The data revealed the typical increase in visuo-spatial processing and a decrease in proactive, but not reactive, cognitive control following action game training. The sizes of these two training effects were similar in magnitude, but interpretation of the effects was constrained by baseline differences between the four groups of subjects. The possibility of a causal effect of action gaming on proactive cognitive control is interesting within the context of correlational evidence linking greater action gaming experience to reduced cognitive control, poor decision making, and increased impulsivity.

Citing Articles

Video Game Skills across Diverse Genres and Cognitive Functioning in Early Adulthood: Verbal and Visuospatial Short-Term and Working Memory, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Empathy.

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A game-factors approach to cognitive benefits from video-game training: A meta-analysis.

Smith E, Basak C PLoS One. 2023; 18(8):e0285925.

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Why do habitual violent video game players believe in the cathartic effects of violent video games? A misinterpretation of mood improvement as a reduction in aggressive feelings.

Kersten R, Greitemeyer T Aggress Behav. 2021; 48(2):219-231.

PMID: 34743352 PMC: 11475470. DOI: 10.1002/ab.22005.

The Influence of Action Video Games on Attentional Functions Across Visual and Auditory Modalities.

Wu X, Jiang Y, Jiang Y, Chen G, Chen Y, Bai X Front Psychol. 2021; 12:611778.

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