Visual Attention Patterns and Cognitive Strategy Use in Stereochemistry After Extended Playing of a Pattern Comparison Game

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Intersections Among Technology, Instruction, Cognition, Learning, and More

Abstract

This study explored how playing the tile matching game Mahjong influences visual attention patterns, cognitive task performance, and authentic stereochemistry task performance. Fifty-nine undergraduates new to organic chemistry completed cognitive tests and a stereochemistry task before and after playing either Mahjong or Daily Crossword for 20 minutes each day for a month. Results revealed that playing Mahjong increased 3D molecule task accuracy for females while reducing males’ scores. We also found the main effect of the treatment on participant performance on the symmetry span test, a measure of visuospatial working memory capacity. Eye movement variables significantly predicted 3D model task accuracy in the Mahjong group but not in the Crossword group.

Authors

• Pasha Antonenko, University of Florida

• Don Kim, University of Florida

• Zhen Xu, University of Florida

• Do Hyong Koh, University of Florida

• Ruohan Liu, University of Florida

• Andrea Burgess, University of Florida