Resources on how Video Games can Improve Attention, Working Memory, Executive Functions, and Fluid Intelligence

Research on the impact of video game play on learning, attention, and executive functions has grown dramatically in the past five years. There are now hundreds of excellent studies that demonstrate how video game play can improve specific cognitive functions. In addition, there are some excellent books that are enlightening and fun to read. Here are some of our recommendations to get you started in learning more about this important area that is affecting all 21st-century children.

• Train your Brain for Success: A Teenager’s Guide to Executive Functions  by Randy Kulman

• Smarter: The New Science of Building Brain Power by Dan Hurley

• Playing Smarter in a Digital World: A Guide to Choosing and Using Popular Video Games and Apps to Improve Executive Functioning in Children and Teens by Randy Kulman, PhD

• Now You See It: How the Brain Science of Attention Will Transform the Way We Live, Work, and Learn Learn  by Cathy Davidson

• Reality is Broken  by Jane McGonigal

Recent Research on Video Games, Attention, Executive Functions, and Problem-Solving

• Playing a Real time Strategy Game (StarCraft increases cognitive flexibility)

• Pathological Video-Game Use Among Youth Ages 8 to 18 : A National Study Douglas Gentile’s research on video game addiction

• More Than Just Fun and Games: The Longitudinal Relationships Between Strategic Video Games, Self-Reported Problem Solving Skills, and Academic Grades

• Effect of Computer-Based Video Games on Children. Playing video games improves participants’ fact/recall processes and also promotes problem-solving skills by recognizing multiple solutions for problems.

• Action video game experience reduces the cost of switching tasks. Playing action video games improves executive functions and flexibility.

• Is Playing Exergames Really Exercising?  Increased exercise expenditure from playing active video games  (exergames) can this lead  to many improvements such as improved executive functions

• Exergaming immediately enhances children’s executive function.  The current study examined an important aspect of experience–physical activity–that may contribute to children’s executive function.

• Learning, Attentional Control, and Action Video Games. Playing action games can improve attentional control and selective attention tasks.

• The effect of action video game experience on task-switching. Playing action games can improve the capacity to switch attention between tasks.

• Brains on Video Games. Thoughtful consideration of games and learning describing pros and cons from the views of prominent researchers.