Selling points: What cognitive abilities are tapped by casual video games?

ABSTRACT: The idea that video games or computer-based applications can improve cognitive function has led to a proliferation of programs claiming to "train the brain." However, there is often little scientific basis in the development of commercial training programs, and many research-based programs yield inconsistent or weak results. In this study, we sought to better understand the nature of cognitive abilities tapped by casual video games and thus reflect on their potential as a training tool. A moderately large sample of participants (n=209) played 20 web-based casual games and performed a battery of cognitive tasks. We used cognitive task analysis and multivariate statistical techniques to characterize the relationships between performance metrics. We validated the cognitive abilities measured

SUBMITTER: Baniqued PL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3679476 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature