Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2014

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Ralf Greenwald

Second Committee Member

Susan Lonborg

Third Committee Member

Heath Marrs

Abstract

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) estimates that the average U.S. household owns at least one video game console. The ESRB also notes that 66% of parents believe video games offer mental stimulation or education. Few studies have analyzed the impact of video game play on cognition. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the impact of video games on both behavioral and neurophysiological measures (event-related potentials) of working memory. Stimuli used during the neurophysiological portion of the study were based on the visual odd-ball paradigm in which participants had to respond to standard and rare occurring visual targets. Working memory was evaluated using the Test of Memory and Learning (2nd edition). Results revealed significant differences between gamers and non-gamers on the TOMAL-2. No differences in reaction time. Analysis of the event-related potentials data revealed differences between groups, with Gamers having a larger brain response than Non­-Gamers.

Comments

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