Lately we have been hearing a lot about video game and their negative affects on health. I was curious if games could help people in any way. A group of researchers in California and Pittsburg compiled multiple studies looking at the affects of game play.
A study done in the late 90’s had participants play two computer games. One was Conjecture, a computerized word game, or Marble Madness, which the participant used a joystick to move a marble along a 3-d grid. The participants who used marble madness had a better feel for spatial representation. This meant they had better spatial visualization. They also had an easier time with target tracking and extrapolating spatial paths. Another finding, from a cross-cultural study, found that participants who played the game concentration on the computer improved their iconic skills. Those who played on a board were better at using their verbal skills. Iconic skills, and also spatial skills are crucial in scientific and technical reasoning.
Another aspect to look at is social development, which might be surprising. According to research from 1995, using computer players, showed that frequent players meet friends outside of school more than less frequent players and they had no differences in social interactions. Kids who played more frequently also made online friends. This study, however, did not include kids that spent 30 or more hours a week online.
This study was published in 2001, so it may be outdated. It dealt with computer players and a lot of the cited studies were done in video game infancy. A lot has changed, but I think that some of this information could still be useful. Also the games from the second paragraph were specific for a certain skill and was not your Pong or Modern Warfare 2, but people did learn better from the virtual or more interactive versions then from the board or word based activities.
I can understand the interactive learning part and I think most video games may help with certian things like hand-eye coordination and other motor skills. However I think the focal point, especially with the more realistic the games are becoming should be on (a) they do (I believe) encourage aggression, especially in younger kids and (b) the more time they are on the computer or the PS3 is less time they are exercising and "outside" playing with other kids, which I think is not only making kids lazier but also encouraging anti-social behavior.
ReplyDeleteThe Boy Scouts are now offering a video game merit badge. In order to earn this badge to child must research the ratings system, create a schedule that allowed enough time for homework and chores, as well as time to play their games, and try to stick to this schedule. Also they had to play a game within their rating that was approved by a guardian, parent, or teacher. I believe this is a good approach and aspects of it can be used by parents to manage the time spent by their children on video games.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part I grew up playing in the dirt with friends and do not consider myself much of a "gamer," but I do know a lot of individuals who enjoy video game entertainment. I do think video games have had a significant impact on a number of cultures. Video game entertainment provides a unique form of social interaction, and particular games instigate the learning and promote the development of problem solving skills. However, excessively playing video games can have negative effects on development. Constantly playing video games can take traditional social interactions out of the picture. Eliminating time spent physically interacting with parents and peers can certainly affect social behavior. Furthermore, time spent playing video games is time lost doing homework or being physically active. Perhaps, some of the issues our schools face can be attributed to cultural changes such as the development of highly sophisticated video game entertainment (Nintendo and others like it).
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