The effects of regular videogame use on spatial abilities and object memory.

Abstract

There have been limited studies investigating the effects of videogames on cognition. Some prior studies have reported beneficial effects of videogames on spatial cognition. However, most of these studies examined videogames as a training aid and collected data on performance of spatial tasks before and after extended gaming sessions. Few studies have explored the effects of regular videogame use on spatial tasks and object memory. The current study explored archival data collected in an earlier study which focused on the sexual dichotomy in performance of both spatially orientated and object memory tasks. The study was based on data of 89 participants (males n = 49, females n = 40) and required participants to complete a mental rotation test (MRT) and a series of Object Array trials. The data collected was used in the current study to analyze whether or not participants who played videogames experienced enhanced performance on these tasks. Results yielded no difference between male participants who played and didn’t play videogames. However, female participants did show enhanced performance in both tasks and displayed significant improvement on the object exchange trial. Findings of this study may suggest there is a positive cognitive benefit for females who play videogames particularly in object memory and location.