Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Combining Computer Game-Based Behavioural Experiments With High-Density EEG and Infrared Gaze Tracking
Published on: December 16, 2010
DOOM'd to Switch: Superior Cognitive Flexibility in Players of First Person Shooter Games
Lorenza S Colzato1, Pieter J A van Leeuwen, Wery P M van den Wildenberg
1Cognitive Psychology Unit and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Leiden, Netherlands.
Abstract:
The interest in the influence of videogame experience on our daily life is constantly growing. "First Person Shooter" (FPS) games require players to develop a flexible mindset to rapidly react to fast moving visual and auditory stimuli, and to switch back and forth between different subtasks. This study investigated whether and to which degree experience with such videogames generalizes to other cognitive-control tasks. Video-game players (VGPs) and individuals with little to no videogame experience (NVGPs) performed on a task switching paradigm that provides a relatively well-established diagnostic measure of cognitive flexibility. As predicted, VGPs showed smaller switching costs (i.e., greater cognitive flexibility) than NVGPs. Our findings support the idea that playing FPS games promotes cognitive flexibility.
More Related Videos
13:20Online Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Dorsomedial and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Cognition Decision Making, and Cognitive Dissonance
Published on: December 5, 2025
07:26Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm
Published on: May 4, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Unrealistic Optimism Bias
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
Social Scripts
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
Social Facilitation
Cognitive Dissonance