Action video game training reduces the Simon Effect

Abstract

A number of studies have shown that training on action video games improves various aspects of visual cognition including selective attention and inhibitory control. Here, we demonstrate that action video game play can also reduce the Simon Effect, and, hence, may have the potential to improve response selection during the planning and execution of goal-directed action. Non-game-players were randomly assigned to one of four groups; two trained on a first-personshooter game (Call of Duty) on either Microsoft Xbox or Nintendo DS, one trained on a visual training game for Nintendo DS, and a control group who received no training. Response times were used to contrast performance before and after training on a behavioral assay designed to manipulate stimulus-response compatibility (the Simon Task). The results revealed significantly faster response times and a reduced cost of stimulus-response incompatibility in the groups trained on the first-person-shooter game. No benefit of training was observed in the control group or the group trained on the visual training game. These findings are consistent with previous evidence that action game play elicits plastic changes in the neural circuits that serve attentional control, and suggest training may facilitate goal-directed action by improving players' ability to resolve conflict during response selection and execution.

Video Games for Well-Being: A Systematic Review on the Application of Computer Games for Cognitive and Emotional Training in the Adult Population

“…In general, 28 studies included in the review have use a randomized control trial (RCT), while 7 studies have used a quasi-experimental design. The RCT was the design of choice of 24 studies related to cognitive training (e.g., Hutchinson et al, 2016 ; Looi et al, 2016 ). A quasi-experimental design was instead adopted in six studies directed at the evaluation of cognitive trainings based on video games (Mathewson et al, 2012 ; Montani et al, 2014 ).…”

“…Processing speed and reaction times (8 studies): Studies reported that action games (Green et al, 2012 ; Wang et al, 2014 ), FPS games (Colzato et al, 2013 ; Hutchinson et al, 2016 ), adventure (Li et al, 2016 ), and puzzle games (Stroud and Whitbourne, 2015 ) can be considered effective training tools for processing speed and RTs. Moreover, in a study comparing the effectiveness of various genres of commercial video games, action and driving-racing games were proven to decrease RTs and processing speed more effectively than a puzzle game (Wu and Spence, 2013 ).…”

“…Based on the studies reviewed, the largest impact of video game trainings for cognitive skills was found on processing speed and RTs, as these cognitive domains presented the larger effect sizes. In particular, it has been observed that training with action games (Green et al, 2012 ; Wang et al, 2014 ), FPS games (Colzato et al, 2013 ; Hutchinson et al, 2016 ), adventure (Li et al, 2016 ), and puzzle games (Stroud and Whitbourne, 2015 ) can enhance these skills in healthy adults. In only one case no benefits have been reported over these particular skills after training with commercial video games (van Ravenzwaaij et al, 2014 ).…”

Action Video Game Training for Healthy Adults: A Meta-Analytic Study

“… Oei and Patterson (2013) used the AVG game Modern Combat to train 16 young adults for 4 weeks (20 h), they found that the participants improved their cognitive control and multiple object tracking ability. Furthermore, researchers also found that young AVG players improved the attentional control ( Chisholm and Kingstone, 2015 ) and executive function ( Hutchinson et al, 2015 ). Several studies reported that older adults also benefited from AVG training.…”

Effect of smartphone addiction on reaction time in geriatric population

“…Memory function improves in older adults as carried out in Smartphone-based memory training for older adults [24]. Action game play can improve players' ability to reduce interference between competing response tendencies in order to facilitate goaldirected action [25], so we can enhance the patient's therapeutic exercises using the goal-directed strategy. Older people are able to use computers and that the videogames use can improve their cognitive skills.…”