Poster #21 - The Development of an Action Video Game Characteristics Instrument: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

• In Event: 43.081 - MTCC Poster Session Nine
  In Poster Session: 43.081-2 - Technology, Instruction, Cognition, and Learning: A Survey of Research

Abstract

A growing body of literature demonstrates that playing action video games (AVGs) can improve cognitive abilities, thereby facilitating learning skills that are critical to academic foundations. Nevertheless, research investigating AVG mechanics and play elements that impact human cognition is scarce. This study developed an Action Video Game Characteristics (AVGC) instrument for identifying and examining AVG characteristics that impact human cognition. Ninety-seven undergraduate students played an assigned AVG in a computer lab for 40 minutes, then rated their video gaming experiences using the 24-item AVGC instrument. The AVGC instrument had a high internal consistency. An exploratory factor analysis showed good fit for a five-factor structure: Responsiveness to Game Stimuli, Attention Focus, Game Speed, Game Challenge, and Cognitive and Motor Load.

Authors

• Elena Novak, Kent State University

• Christopher Glen Thompson, Texas A&M University - College Station