The role of individual differences in attentional blink phenomenon and real-time-strategy game proficiency

Abstract

The impact of action videogame playing on cognitive functioning is the subject of debate among scientists, with many studies showing superior performance of players relative to non-players on a number of cognitive tasks. Moreover, the exact role of individual differences in the observed effects is still largely unknown. In our Event-Related Potential (ERP) study we investigated whether training in a Real Time Strategy (RTS) video game StarCraft II can influence the ability to deploy visual attention measured by the Attentional Blink (AB) task. We also asked whether individual differences in a psychophysiological response in the AB task predict the effectiveness of the video game training. Forty-three participants (non-players) were recruited to the experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to either experimental (Variable environment) or active control (Fixed environment) group, which differed in the type of training received. Training consisted of 30 h of playing the StarCraft II game. Participants took part in two EEG sessions (pre-and post-training) during which they performed the AB task. Our results indicate that both groups improved their performance in the AB task in the post-training session. What is more, in the experimental group the strength of the amplitude of the P300 ERP component (which is related to a conscious visual perception) in the pre training session appeared to be predictive of the level of achievement in the game. In the case of the active control group in-game behaviour appeared to be predictive of a training-related improvement in the AB task. Our results suggest that differences in the neurophysiological response might be treated as a marker of future success in video game acquisition, especially in a more demanding game environment.

Association between real-time strategy video game learning outcomes and pre-training brain white matter structure: preliminary study

“…Studies using video games as a training tool usually did not focus on individual differences in the learning process. However, some research emphasized that neural factors may play an important role in predisposition for complex task learning, including video games 9,15,20,37,38 . Our study indicates that white matter microstructure plays an important role as a factor www.nature.com/scientificreports/ predisposing for acquisition of complex skills while playing VGs.…”

Do Real-Time Strategy Video Gamers Have Better Attentional Control?

“…On the one hand, similar to action video games, RTS video gamers need to process multiple sources of information simultaneously and switch attention constantly among different maneuvers (Dale et al, 2020). Although some recent studies show that RTS video games experience may lead to improvements in cognitive performance (Basak et al, 2008; 2011; Glass et al, 2013; Jakubowska et al, 2021), there have been mixed results on whether RTS video gamers have better attentional control (Dale & Green, 2017; Dobrowolski et al, 2015). These studies suggest that it is necessary to further explore the attentional control of RTS video gamers while controlling for the possible influencing factors.…”

Video game proficiency predicted by EEG oscillatory indexes of visual working memory

“…While the FPS games focus mainly on shooting a target, 20 StarCraft II has a rich task environment and engaging characters, but also has the advantage of offering multiple levels of mastery and a wide range of tasks which require the player to focus on many pieces of information at the same time. 21 This game requires engaging multiple cognitive domains such as decision making, perception, motor skills and attention in order to achieve success. 22 To better understand the relationship between VWM and in-game achievements, we decided to focus on the established neurophysiological indicators of visual working memory -neural oscillations in the theta and alpha frequency range (for review: Pavlov & Kotchoubey 23 ).…”

“…28,29 In a game like Starcraft II (RTS) this is even more necessary to deploy attentional resources, therefore to use VWM more effectively as the game itself requires focusing on different things at the same time. 21 A recent study on action video games (AVG), takes a closer look at alpha power. Mentioned study uses a covert questionnaire to recruit AVG players and non-video game players (NVG).…”