Power Up Your Brain: How Video Games Boost Memory, Focus & Mental Flexibility

The purpose of this study is to investigate the cognitive differences between expert video game players and non-gamers, then draw conclusions to assess whether video games have any correlation to enhanced cognitive skills and improvement on focus on attention, memory, and executive control. The researchers hypothesized that different types of games (action, strategy, and puzzle) played by both parties, would have better performance in tasks requiring attention, memory, and executive control compared to non-gamers. Non-gamers played video games for 20+ hours, while expert gamers were analyzed for comparability. Previous studies suggested that video games can enhance cognitive skills. This study aims to conclude how educational strategies through video games could be incorporated in learning and training programs.

This research compared eleven expert video game players (7+ hours of gaming per week for 2-years) and ten non-gamers (independent). Figure 1 showed the performance of expert gamers and non-gamers in a multiple object tracking (MOT) task. The tracking speed (dependent) of participants measured accuracy. In three of ten moving objects where speed was adjusted based on performance (control), the experts outperformed the non-gamers. Both groups had similar accuracy (94% for experts and 98% for non-gamers). Experts had faster reactions and all improved with practice showing that improvements were due to practice, not experience.

Figure 2 examines the short term memory recall ability of the expert and non-gamers and the accuracy in identifying colors and comparing the number of items. While the games played remained consistent (independent variables), the accuracy of the number of items correctly recalled (dependent variable) varied while the conditions of the experiment remained the same (control variable). The experiment revealed that the expert gamers outperformed the non-gamers in this category. When the participants were presented with a list of items, the non-gamers had difficulty, revealing short-term memory delay. Expert gamers recalled approximately 8 items, while non-gamers recalled only 5 items, showing that gaming may improve short form memory capacity, supporting the hypothesis that video games can improve cognitive functions.

Figure 3 presents two graphs that measure the relationship between the rotation of tasks and the level of experience between the participants (independent variable) against the response time and the accuracy (dependent variable). The study found that experts had a faster response and accuracy across all rotations, while non-gamers progressed with practice. The findings support the idea that puzzle-themed games improve focus, reflexes, and accuracy. The findings showed that expert gamers had an 85% accuracy rate compared to non-gamers that had a 70% rate, indicating that gamers had better control over switching and adapting to new changes.

This study concluded that video games have a positive correlation on short term memory retention. Figure 1 and 2’s data shows that with practice, each group of participants improved their accuracy and reaction time through practice and repetition. participants were able to recall information. Figure 3 showed that mental tasks helped improve cognitive functions due to experiences and repetitive short term commands. This study showed how video games could be used as training and learning tools. This study can aid future studies that aim to help patients suffering from dementia or other memory related diseases that impede cognitive function.

Boot, W. R., Kramer, A. F., Simon, D. J., Fabiani, M., Gratton, G. (2008). The effects of video

game playing on attention, memory, and executive control. Acta Psychologica, 129 (2008) 387–398. 1016/j.actpsy.2008.09.005.