The Impact of a Video Game Intervention on the Cognitive Functioning, Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, and Video Game Attitudes of Older Adults

Abstract

While a well-established body of empirical work indicates that engaging in mentally stimulating activities is linked to positive physical and mental health outcomes, relatively few studies have specifically examined the impact that video game training can have on cognitive functioning and well-being. Given the substantial implications that such work has for an ever-growing older adult population, this area of research has begun to pique the interest of researchers world-wide.The present study employed an experimental paradigm to explore the impact of a Nintendo DS video game, Brain Age, on the cognitive functioning, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and video game attitudes of adults aged 65 and older. A total of 35 participants were recruited from various Senior Centers located in the San Fernando Valley and were randomly assigned to an intervention group that played Brain Age for five weeks (three hours of supervised training per week) or a control group that was only required to complete an assessment battery before and after a five week period. Findings stemming from ANCOVA analyses in which pre-test scores (and in the case of cognitive outcome variables, a separate cognitive screener) served as covariates indicated significant group differences with regards to brief arithmetic and syllable count assessments, and marginally significant differences on the basis of the Stroop Interference Test. While all the effects for self-efficacy, self-esteem, and a newly developed video game attitudes scale were in the predicted direction, no statistically significant group differences were found. Findings across the 16 examined outcome variables also indicate larger effects among cognitive outcome variables that are directly practiced via the intervention. Such findings also indicate larger effects among timed over nontimed cognitive measures, and among cognitive over affective/attitudinal variables. Notwithstanding limitations concerning the transferability of trained skills to a broader set of cognitive abilities, the current study's evidence suggests that playing a simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible videogame can enhance some aspects of cognitive functioning. These findings hold significant implications for the millions of older Americans looking for technologicallyoriented avenues by which to sharpen their cognitive skills. DedicationTo GodThe only one I know that does not need confidence intervals to understand the world we live in.vi Acknowledgement

Cognitive Training in the Elderly: Bottlenecks and New Avenues

“…In order to control for test-retest effects, many studies have employed a passive or no-contact control group (e.g. Belchior et al, 2013;Sosa, 2012; see Boot, Simons, Stothart, & Stutts, 2013 for discussion). This involves a group of participants who perform the pre-and post-assessment battery, but who do not participate in any training nor have any contact with the experimenter.…”

Application and Research of VR in Education

“…The outcomes of these new tools can be more immersive and more interactive than traditional education. Before, students and teachers can only communicate through language; however, with the use of VR, the common language between people from all different races and ethnics, the actions of people, can convey the same message and knowledge to the students, while being more interactive, immersive, and even more convenient for the teacher [8]. In the meantime, teachers can also observe student's progress, difficulties, and questions in real-time, with the help of these new computing methods, of course.…”