Enhanced Arithmetic Problem Solving After Action Video Game Play

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Educational Implications of Brain Research

Abstract

Action video games (AVGs) can improve perceptual, attentional, and cognitive abilities that transfer from the act of the actual video gaming to novel tasks. This experimental study reports the existence of enhanced arithmetic problem solving in adult participants after a 40 min training with AVG. Forty-six participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention conditions: AVG and non-AVG. Participants’ arithmetic problem solving and attention were measured using the NeuroSky’s SpeedMath mini-game, a brainwave controlled application that monitors players’ attention when solving arithmetic problems. After 40 min of video game training, both intervention groups improved their problem solving speed, but decreased in accuracy. Implications of video game training for enhanced cognitive performance are discussed.

Author

• Elena Novak, Kent State University