Ever since consumer technology entered our lives, scientists (especially in the field of psychology) have been determined to demonize it. At least, it seemed so, judging by all the articles that came out of the United States about it.
Fortunately, over the years the biases of these analyzes have been eliminated, and with them the negative results in this regard. Currently, almost all studies show that the game is not harmful to health, but quite the contrary.
And today we bring another one in this sense, although research is focused on decision making, something vital that we must do every day in many cases. Even video games help with this.
A new study by scientists at Georgia State University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the effect of video games on brain activity during decision making.
The researchers explain that “Given that playing video games often requires rapid use of incoming sensory information and multiple accurate decision making, decision tasks are relevant for studying the effects of playing video games.“.
A little less than 50 young people were involved in the study.28 of which were classified as regular video game players (more than five hours of play per week), and 19 as non-gamers (less than one hour of play per week).
Inside the MRI machine Participants completed a movement classification task designed to measure their ability to make decisions.
The task was to observe two sets of dots of different colors moving in opposite directions. After viewing the dots for two seconds, the subjects had to immediately respond in which direction they thought the dot of a certain color was moving.
They had three seconds to respond before repeating the task.. The task was designed to help assess how quickly the brain can process sensory information and make response decisions.
From a direct behavioral point of view, The researchers found that video game players responded more accurately and quickly. compared to non-players.
But the most interesting thing is that brain imaging data showed that the players also responded differently to the task. The researchers point out that these results increase the likelihood that video games are being used for cognitive learning.
The next step is to find out if you can subject those who don’t play video games to video game related tests and see if they improve the brain’s response to decision making.
Source: Computer Hoy
