Nothing else matters: Video games create sustained attentional selection away from task-irrelevant features

Abstract

Feature-based attention allocates resources to particular stimulus features and reduces processing and retention of unattended features. We performed four experiments using self-paced video games to investigate whether sustained attentional selection of features could be created without a distractor task requiring continuous processing. Experiments 1 and 2 compared two versions of the game Two Dots, each containing a sequence of images. For the more immersive game post-game recognition of images was very low, but for the less immersive game it was significantly higher. Experiments 3 and 4 found that post-game image recognition was very low if the images were irrelevant to the game task but significantly higher if the images were relevant to the task. We conclude that games create sustained attentional selection away from task-irrelevant features, even if they are in full view, which leads to reduced retention. This reduced retention is due to differences in attentional set rather than a response to limited processing resources. The consistency of this attentional selection is moderated by the level of immersion in the game. We also discuss possible attentional mechanisms for the changes in recognition rates and the implications for applications such as serious games.

Learning by Doing: Intrinsic Integration Directs Attention to Increase Learning In Games

“…A final insight is on the effect of game genre on learning in games. We found that game task-based attention moderates learning in a fast-moving action game but Cutting, et al [28] also found the same attentional selection effect on learning with slow moving "self-paced" games with no requirement for fast reactions or decisions. They concluded that game tasks direct attention by the formation of an "attentional set" [59] of task relevant features which is formed by the initial instructions and feedback that players receive while learning the game.…”

“…This was an online study that participants completed on their own computers via a browser. It was inspired by Cutting, et al [28]'s study in which participants played a game containing a set of changing images and attentional focus was then measured by testing their post-game recognition of the images.…”

“…This experiment aimed to test the hypothesis that differences in learning due to intrinsic integration are moderated by differences in attentional focus required by the game task rather than motivational effects or differences in cognitive load. To test for an attentional mechanism we made use of the fact that attentional selection can be very tightly focused so that players only process particular aspects of the visual stimulus such as its color or its shape, this low-level attentional filtering is known as feature-based attentional selection [25,28]. If intrinsic integration increases learning via attentional mechanisms, then we would expect that learning would be sensitive to very small differences in the closeness of integration reflecting differences in attentional focus.…”

The effect of an educational video game on high school students’ motivation, self-efficacy and knowledge in a History course

“…Games are defined as voluntary and immersive activities that entertain users in a way that is separate from the real world (Barclay & Bowers, 2020;Cutting et al, 2020;Huang et al, 2019;Ijaz et al, 2020). All games have the following characteristics: fantasy, rules and objectives, sensory stimuli, challenge or level of difficulty, mystery in the game, interaction, and the amount of control one has over the game (Chen et al, 2021;Hügel & Davies, 2022;Maheu et al, 2018;Tsai & Tsai, 2020).…”

Four grand challenges for video game effects scholars: How digital trace data can improve the way we study games

“…One example of navigating this issue may be drawn from the practice of one member of the research team. To avoid the risk that either their game, or the playtime associated with their game, would not be representative of the real experiences of gamers, they 'cloned' (that is copied the gameplay) of popular casual mobile games Two Dots (Cutting et al, 2020) and Hey, that's my fish! .…”