—
There isn’t a unanimous view on video games. Some consider it an addicting entertainment that forces people to be glued to their seats. Others, on the other hand, see it as a useful tool in helping the brain stay sharp.
While both sides of the argument raise important points, there is a tendency to drown out opinions arguing for the value of video games in enhancing learning and improving memory. This argument isn’t just pushed forward by gamers; scientific studies have been carried out to prove that gaming does have a purpose.
A study published in PLOS One in 2013 showed that non-gamers who were taught to play games emerged from the study with cognitive improvements. In addition, the particular game they played enhanced a particular cognitive skill.
How can particular video games impact learning and memory?
Super Mario and Memory
In 2015, researchers published a study in The Journal of Neuroscience showing improved memory in participants who played 3D video games. Super Mario 3D World was the game of choice given to participants, who have to go through two weeks of training.
Their results were compared to another test group from the same study. This time, the group were trained to play a 2D game, Angry Birds. The results of this particular group showed that there was no cognitive improvement.
Overall, the researchers of the study concluded that modern video games can be used to stimulate the hippocampus, which is associated with episodic memory. In addition, it is also believed to depend on neuroplasticity in order to adapt to an environment that frequently changes. What this means is that a stimulation of the hippocampus can lead to improved function.
A study, which focused on older adults, and published in the journal PLOS One in 2017 came to a similar conclusion. The study was participated by adults between the ages of 55 to 75, organized into three groups. One group had to play with Super Mario 64, another tasked with learning to play the piano, and the last one engaged to do nothing.
The test group that played Super Mario produced the best results, with participants registering significant grey matter increase. Grey matter is, of course, the region of the brain associated with muscle control and sensory perception, which can include decision making, emotions, memory, and self-control. While the music test group did show cerebellum growth, the group tasked to do nothing demonstrated a significant loss of grey matter.
Studies like these offer hope for those who fear losing their memory and those who want to find a different way of improving their memory. Aging may be a given in life, but studies have shown that all is not lost; something can be done to stave off the effects of mental decay.
A large portion of people would like to have significantly better memory, and these studies have shown that playing video games can be used as a means to that end.
StarCraft and Smartness
Many people would like to be able to think strategically. Such a skill comes in handy in life, be it thinking of the best possible outcome before choosing the best bookmakers on Efirbet or making daily decisions. The good news is that no significant investment is needed to be better at such a skill; playing a game of StarCraft has proven enough to improve strategic thinking.
In 2013, researchers from the University College London and the Queen Mary University in London published the results of their study that looked into training the brain using video games in the journal PLOS One. Their study aimed to boost the brain’s agility as well as to enhance critical thinking.
The study had a total of 72 volunteers, who were all female since the researchers couldn’t find male participants who played video games for less than two hours a week. Participants were divided into three: two groups to learn different versions of StarCraft and the third to try The Sims 2 (a life-simulation video game). They were tasked to play for 40 hours over six to eight weeks. They were also subjected to different psychological tests before and after their gaming sessions.
Researchers of the study found that those who played StarCraft were far better at performing cognitive flexibility tasks than the group tasked with learning The Sims. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to quickly switch between tasks and find solutions to problems. Researchers concluded that StarCraft, a military game that requires players to build, gather resources, defend, and attack, can be used to develop the skill of cognitive flexibility in people.
It’s not just Super Mario and StarCraft that have had an impact on memory and learning. Any other game that drives a person to exert more mental energy will help brain muscles get stronger.
Video games don’t always get a good reputation, but scientific studies have shown that they can be a force for good.
—
This post is republished on Medium.
***
You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project
Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often | Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It | The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex | ..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything |
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.