Spatial Cognitive Skill and Video Game Performance: What’s the Connection?

• In Event: Playing to Learn: Tech-Based Games and Cognitive Processes

Abstract

Previous research found a connection between spatial cognition and success in STEM areas, and spatial cognition skills can be improved by playing some video games. The present study explores whether a relationship exists between spatial cognition skills and video game performance. Non-video game players first completed four spatial cognition tasks and then played two video games, Tetris and Unreal Tournament (UT). Results showed significant correlations between performance on UT and mental rotation (r = -.334), paper-folding (r = .271), and the Race dynamic spatial task (r = -.269). In contrast, Tetris performance only correlated with paper-folding (r = .244). These results indicate that performance on action video games such as UT may be related to more spatial skills than Tetris.

Authors

• Deanne Marie Adams, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Richard E. Mayer, University of California - Santa Barbara