Effects of Video Games
Unsworth, N., Redick, T. S., McMillan, B. D., Hambrick, D. Z., Kane, M. J., & Engle, R. W. (2015). Is playing video games related to cognitive abilities? Psychological Science, 26(6), 759-774.
The study has revealed that there is no connection between video-game experience and essential cognitive abilities, and if there is any connection, it must be relatively weak. The revelation is against the conception that video-game players can outpace non video-game players in terms of attention control, working memory, as well as executive control. What I found surprising in this article is that even where studies utilized extreme group designs, the results indicated near zero relationships between playing video games and cognitive capacity. The article has made me doubt the possibility of video gaming in promoting well-being, which include the promotion of cognitive abilities among children, as well as adolescents. Although the attained results may have been affected by having a relatively small sample size, the article recommends further studies to examine whether playing video games has any implication on cognitive abilities.
Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1), 66-78.
The article summarizes the benefits of video games based on cognitive, emotional, motivational, and social aspects of humans. What I have learned from this source is that a number of researches have recently revealed the benefits accrued from playing video games by stating that the spatial skills improvements, which originate from playing commercially available video games, can be compared to the effects that emanate from formal courses. Additionally, this study has been helpful in my life because it has denounced the notion of social isolation and support the capacity of video games in the development of prosocial behaviors. My perception on video games changed when I realized that video games might provide the opportunity to address limitations that could not be solved through cognitive behavioral therapy by intervening in the treatment of numerous disorders. Clinicians usually face a daunting task as they try to engage children and adolescents, who have mental health problems.
References
Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1), 66-78.
Unsworth, N., Redick, T. S., McMillan, B. D., Hambrick, D. Z., Kane, M. J., & Engle, R. W. (2015). Is playing video games related to cognitive abilities? Psychological Science, 26(6), 759-774.