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Gamification and Cognitive Factors: Research Hotspots, Knowledge Structure, and Future Directions Based on
Deao Song1, Jien Guo1, Xuaner Rao1
1Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China.
Journal of Intelligence
|July 27, 2026
Summary
This study maps research on gamification and cognitive factors, revealing key themes like executive function and cognitive load. It highlights future directions for enhancing learning, cognitive training, and digital health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Educational Technology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Gamification is increasingly used in digital learning, cognitive training, and health interventions.
- Understanding the cognitive mechanisms and research trends in gamification is crucial but lacks synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize the research landscape of gamification and cognitive factors.
- To identify key themes, research hotspots, and evolutionary trends.
- To suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of 813 publications (2012-2024) from the Web of Science Core Collection.
- Utilized CiteSpace for analyzing publication trends, collaborations, keywords, and knowledge maps.
- Identified 10 interrelated research themes through cluster analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified 10 key research themes: flipped classroom, active learning, continuance intention, dementia, executive function, cognitive control training, computational thinking, cognitive training, cognitive load, and user experience.
- Revealed research hotspots and developmental trajectories in gamification and cognitive factors.
- Highlighted interdisciplinary collaborations and emerging research areas.
Conclusions:
- Gamification research is expanding across educational contexts and digital health.
- Future research should refine theory models, examine user experience and cognitive load as mechanisms.
- Further investigation is needed into gamification's impact on specific cognitive processes and personalized design.