The Influence of Video Games on Cognitive Skills in Children

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Contents
The Influence of Video Games on Cognitive Skills in Children...................................1

Abstract......................................................................................................................1

Introduction................................................................................................................2

Literature Review...................................................................................................3

Cognitive Advantages of Video Games.................................................................3

Negative effects of Video Games..........................................................................4

Gaps in the Literature review.................................................................................4

Methodology..........................................................................................................4

Data Collection.......................................................................................................5

Results....................................................................................................................6

Discussions.............................................................................................................6

Conclusion..............................................................................................................6
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Abstract

The Influence of video games on cognitive skills in children has emerged as a notable

topic of ongoing debate among researchers, educators, and parents. While some studies

suggest that video games may lead to negative consequences for children’s cognitive

development and behavior, other research indicates that specific types of video games can

enhance critical skills such as problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and memory. This study

aimed to investigate the impact of strategic video games on cognitive skills in a sample of 80

children aged 2 to 17. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group,

which engaged in playing strategic video games for one hour each day, four days a week over

eight weeks, or a control group that partook in non-gaming activities for the same duration.

Standardized cognitive tests were administered before and after the intervention to assess

changes in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, memory, and attention. The results

demonstrated significant enhancements in problem-solving and spatial reasoning within the

experimental group when compared to the control group. However, no notable changes were

observed in memory or attention. This study provides compelling evidence that strategic

video games can effectively improve specific cognitive skills among children. The findings

highlight the potential benefits of incorporating video games into educational settings to

foster cognitive development. However, further research is necessary to gain a more

comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of gaming on cognitive growth and to

explore different genres and their unique impacts.

Introduction

Video games play a vital role in today’s society having clout on social interactions,

culture, and individual development. Video games possess a rich and extensive history that

the general public often finds it difficult to access and understand. As they have evolved into

a powerful cultural phenomenon and influential medium, one might inquire how they have

progressed significantly from technical, visual, and interactive perspectives. Originating from

military simulations, the development of video games, which explored what they referred to

as “the power of the computer” (Wolf, 2008) during the 1950s and 1960s, has brought the

emergence of a multi-billion-dollar industry over the last thirty to forty years (Wolf, 2015). In

the past 20 years, video gaming has risen exponentially. This has raised a lot of concerns

among parents when it comes to their children’s prolonged gaming hours in a virtual world

and the possibility of harsh effects on behavior, cognition, and mental health. At the same

time, the number of gamers has also been rapidly changing. An analysis carried out during

the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 showed that 71% of children aged between 2 to 17 years

play video games, this showed an increase of 4% since 2018. This led researchers to

investigate the relationship between gaming and mental health and cognition due to the

substantial brain development that occurs during childhood and adolescence. Behavioral and

psychological research suggests that destructive research that destructive association of video

gaming can lead to violence, depression, and aggressive behavior in children. Although video

gaming has its downsides, researchers have been assigned to different tasks to investigate the

influence of video games on brain function and cognitive skills. Despite its association with

bad mental health, video gaming has also enhanced cognitive flexibility by providing

essential qualities that can be shifted to subjective tasks significant for day-to-day activities,

this is because video gaming shares a myriad of visual and attentional demands such as; rapid
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attentional switches, incidental vision and multiple object tracking, this enhances logic,

reaction time, problem-solving skills and creativity. Task-based functional magnetic

resonance imaging(fMRI) studies made an analogy in the brain activity between video

gamers and non-video gamers. When both groups were presented with a complex visuomotor

task, (Granek et al.,2009) discovered that video gamers presented more blood oxygen level-

dependent (BOLD) activity in the prefrontal cortex but less overall brain activity compared to

non-video gamers. In another study, an fMRI attentional letter detection task, (Richlan et al.,

2017) found no significant behavioral performance between 14 video gamers and 14 non-

video gamers presented more brain activity in multiple frontoparietal regions and different

activation patterns, suggesting video gamers can recruit different areas of the brain to perform

attentional tasks. Although various studies have investigated the involvement between video

gaming and cognitive behavior, the neurobiological mechanisms concerning the associations

are not well understood since only a few neuroimaging studies have addressed this topic. In

addition, findings from fMRI studies on video gaming in children and adolescents have not

been replicated, which would chip into the small sample sizes included in the analyses.

Literature Review

Cognitive Advantages of Video Games.

The connection between video game genres and cognitive enhancements is a

compelling area of research that has drawn considerable attention in recent years. Studies

suggest that engaging in certain types of video games can improve cognitive capabilities,

such as attention, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and planning skills. This phenomenon

is evident in action games, strategy games, and other genres that challenge players to think

critically, manage resources, and adapt to dynamic situations. Action games, as analyzed by

Green and Bavelier (2012), are notable examples of how players can develop swift decision-
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making and hand-eye coordination skills. Players must develop swift decision-making and

hand-eye coordination skills. Players must navigate fast-paced environments and react

quickly to obstacles, which can translate to improved performance in tasks requiring similar

cognitive skills and cognitive skills outside of gaming. These games often require players to

engage in analytical thinking and attention to detail, skills that are crucial in real-world

scenarios. On the other hand, games like Minecraft and Portal 2, examined by Adachi and

Willoughby (2013), demonstrate through gameplay. These games encourage players to think

critically about problem-solving, develop plans, and manage in-game resources effectively.

The dynamics of such games can mirror real-world challenges, fostering skills like

adaptability and strategic foresight. Moreover, these games often emphasize persistence and

resilience, important traits for overcoming obstacles both in gaming and broader contexts,

such as academic and professional environments. The cognitive benefits of video games are

not limited to these specific genres. Research suggests that other types of games such as

games, such as puzzle games and adventure games, can also improve cognitive skills like

memory, spatial reasoning, and decision-making. Furthermore, the immersive nature of video

games can enhance motivation and engagement, leading to increased learning outcomes and

improved academic performance. The implications of these findings are significant,

particularly in educational settings. Gamified learning and educational video games promote

learning more engagingly and effectively. Additionally, therapists and healthcare

professionals can use video games as a tool for rehabilitation and cognitive training, helping,

helping individuals with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities. However, it is

essential to note that not all video games have a positive impact on cognitive performance.

Games that focus on repetition, instant gratification, or mindless violence may not offer the

same cognitive benefits as games that challenge players to think critically and solve

problems. Therefore, it is crucial to design and select games that promote cognitive
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development and learning. In conclusion, the connection between video game genres and

cognitive enhancements is a promising area of research that holds significant implications for

education, rehabilitation, and cognitive training. While more research is necessary to fully

understand the extent and nature of cognitive enhancements through video gaming, existing

studies suggest a valuable relationship between specific game genres and the development of

various cognitive skills. By harnessing the power of video games, educators, therapists, and

individuals can leverage the cognitive benefits of gaming to promote learning, cognitive

development, and overall well-being.

Gaps in the Literature review.

 Previous research has primarily concentrated on immediate effects, leaving the

long-term influences of video games on cognitive growth inadequately.

 Much of the existing literature has focused on action games, offering limited

insights into other genres, like strategic or educational games.

 There is insufficient agreement on the ideal duration and intensity of gaming

that yields cognitive advantages.

Methodology.

Participants:

The study focused on a sample of 80 children, aged 2 to 17 years, recruited from local

schools. These participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group

consisting 40 people in each group. Informed consent was obtained from their parents,

ensuring confidentiality for all participants.

Materials:
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 Video Games: The experimental group engaged with strategic video games,

including Fortnite and Civilization VI, which emphasize problem-solving

skills and spatial reasoning.

 Cognitive Tests: To evaluate the participants’ cognitive abilities, standardized

tests were employed, including Raven’s Progressive Matrices for problem-

solving skills, the Digit Span Test for memory, the Flanker Task for attention,

and the Mental Rotation Test for spatial reasoning.

 Control Activities: In contrast, the control group participated in non-gaming

activities, such as writing and painting, over the intervention period.

Procedure:

 Pre-Test: Initial cognitive tests were administered to all participants at the start

of the study.

 Intervention: The experimental group played strategic video games for one

hour each day, four days a week, across a span of eight weeks.

Simultaneously, the control group engaged in their non-gaming activities for

equivalent duration.

 Post-Test: Following the eight-week period, cognitive tests were repeated to

assess any changes in performance.

Data Collection.

Data collection involved administering standardized cognitive tests, with analysis

conducted using paired test to evaluate pre-test and post-test scores within the groups, and

independent tests to assess changes between them.

Results.

The study yielded several key findings regarding the impact of strategic video games

on children’s cognitive skills.

 Problem-solving skills: Children in the experimental group showed a

statistically significant improvement in problem-solving skills, with an

average increase of 25% from pre-test to post-test assessments. This suggests

that engaging in strategic gameplay may enhance a child’s ability to analyze

problems and devise effective solutions.

 Spatial reasoning: Participants who played strategic video games demonstrated

a measurable enhancement in spatial reasoning skills, with a 30% increase in

their performance on related tasks. These improvements were particularly

evident in tasks involving mental rotation and understanding spatial

relationships, indicating that strategic gaming could contribute positively to

these cognitive areas.

 Memory: Although there was some positive feedback from parents regarding

general memory retention, the results from standardized memory assessments

revealed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and

control groups. This suggests that while children may feel they are more

engaged or retaining information better, strategic video games may not

significantly influence formal memory capabilities.

 Attention: The attention scores from both groups remained relatively stable

throughout the study, showing no significant changes. This indicates that

engaging in strategic video gaming does not adversely measurably impact

attention under the conditions of this study.

 Qualitative feedback: Parent surveys indicated a general increase in children’s

enthusiasm for learning and critical thinking, suggesting an indirect benefit of

video gaming in children’s attitudes towards education and intellectual

challenges.

Overall, these findings underscore the potential of strategic video games as valuable

tools for enhancing specific cognitive skills in children, while also highlighting areas

where further investigation is necessary.

Discussions.

The results are consistent with prior research suggesting that strategic video games

foster improvements in problem-solving and spatial reasoning (Adachi and

Willoughby,2013). Nevertheless, the absence of enhancement in memory and attention

contrasts with findings related to action games (Green and Bavelier, 2012), emphasizing the

influence of game genre on cognitive outcomes. Limitations of this study include the brief

duration of the intervention and the dependence on self-reported gaming behaviours. Future

research should investigate the long-term effects of gaming and encompass physiological

measures, such as brain imaging, to more comprehensively understand the underlying

mechanisms.

Conclusion.

This study provides evidence that strategic video games can have a positive impact on

children’s cognitive skills, specifically problem-solving and spatial reasoning. The findings

suggest that engaging in strategic gameplay for a moderate duration can enhance these skills,

which are essential for success in various areas of life, including education and future careers.

While there was no significant effect on memory or attention, the results indicate that
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strategic video games can be a valuable tool for cognitive development. The implications of

this study are significant, as they suggest that video games can be a valuable addition to

educational settings. By incorporating strategic video games into curricula, educators may be

able to enhance students’ problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills, which are critical for

success in various subjects, including mathematics, science, and engineering. However, it is

essential to note that the effects of video games on children’s cognitive skills are complex

and multifaceted. Further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of

gaming on cognitive growth and to explore different genres and their unique impacts.

Additionally, more studies are needed to investigate the potential benefits and drawbacks of

gaming in various contexts, such as education, therapy, and socialization. In conclusion, this

study contributes to the growing body of research on the impact of video games on children’s

cognitive skills. The findings highlight the potential benefits of strategic video games and

suggest that they can be a valuable tool for cognitive development. As technology continues

to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, it is essential to continue exploring the

effects of gaming on children’s cognitive skills and to develop evidence-based strategies for

harnessing its potential.

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