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Influence of action video gaming on spatial representation in the haptic modality
Hanneke I Van Mier1, Hui Jiao2
1Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. h.vanmier@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Experimental Brain Research
|September 29, 2020
Summary
Action video game players show improved haptic spatial skills. Experience with action video games (AVGs) enhances performance in haptic parallelity matching tasks, suggesting a link between gaming and spatial representation.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Haptic Perception
- Spatial Cognition
Background:
- Haptic spatial representation is susceptible to egocentric reference frame biases.
- Allocentric reference frame use improves haptic parallelity matching.
- Action video game experience may influence spatial processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of action video game experience on haptic parallelity performance.
- To determine if 'bird's-eye view' gaming promotes allocentric spatial processing.
- To assess the effect of visual-haptic practice on haptic spatial skills.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of male participants: action video game players (AVGPs) and non-players (NAVGPs).
- Haptic parallelity matching task performed blindfolded.
- Visual-haptic practice blocks introduced to observe learning effects.
Main Results:
- AVGPs demonstrated significantly better performance in haptic parallelity matching compared to NAVGPs.
- Visual-haptic practice led to significant performance improvements in both groups.
- Results support the hypothesis that AVG experience enhances haptic spatial representation.
Conclusions:
- Action video game experience may positively influence haptic spatial representation.
- Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship.
- Spatial training, including visual-haptic practice, can improve haptic skills.
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