Journal article
Cognitive training with casual video games: points to consider
Frontiers in psychology, Vol.4, pp.1010-1010
2014
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.01010
PMCID: PMC3882717
PMID: 24432009
Abstract
Brain training programs have proliferated in recent years, with claims that video games or computer-based tasks can broadly enhance cognitive function. However, benefits are commonly seen only in trained tasks. Assessing generalized improvement and practicality of laboratory exercises complicates interpretation and application of findings. In this study, we addressed these issues by using active control groups, training tasks that more closely resemble real-world demands and multiple tests to determine transfer of training. We examined whether casual video games can broadly improve cognition, and selected training games from a study of the relationship between game performance and cognitive abilities. A total of 209 young adults were randomized into a working memory–reasoning group, an adaptive working memory–reasoning group, an active control game group, and a no-contact control group. Before and after 15 h of training, participants completed tests of reasoning, working memory, attention, episodic memory, perceptual speed, and self-report measures of executive function, game experience, perceived improvement, knowledge of brain training research, and game play outside the laboratory. Participants improved on the training games, but transfer to untrained tasks was limited. No group showed gains in reasoning, working memory, episodic memory, or perceptual speed, but the working memory–reasoning groups improved in divided attention, with better performance in an attention-demanding game, a decreased attentional blink and smaller trail-making costs. Perceived improvements did not differ across training groups and those with low reasoning ability at baseline showed larger gains. Although there are important caveats, our study sheds light on the mixed effects in the training and transfer literature and offers a novel and potentially practical training approach. Still, more research is needed to determine the real-world benefits of computer programs such as casual games.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Cognitive training with casual video games: points to consider
- Creators
- Pauline L Baniqued - Department of Psychology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana ChampaignMichael B Kranz - Department of Psychology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana ChampaignMichelle W Voss - Department of Psychology, University of IowaHyunkyu Lee - Brain Plasticity InstituteJoshua D Cosman - Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt UniversityJoan Severson - Digital Artefacts LLCArthur F Kramer - Department of Psychology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in psychology, Vol.4, pp.1010-1010
- DOI
- 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.01010
- PMID
- 24432009
- PMCID
- PMC3882717
- NLM abbreviation
- Front Psychol
- ISSN
- 1664-1078
- eISSN
- 1664-1078
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media S.A
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2014
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
- Record Identifier
- 9984002362602771
Metrics
31 Record Views