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The effects of video gaming on visual selective attention

Bibliographic Data

ID11012192
AuthorsMichael Frank Matern (University of Pretoria), Amanda van der Westhuizen (0000-0003-0654-8168, University of Pretoria), Sonja N Mostert (0000-0002-6762-6994, University of Pretoria, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume50
Issue2
Pages183-194
Publication date2020-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSouth African Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0081-2463 • E-ISSN: 2078-208X
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0081246319871391
OpenAlexW2970513744
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited62

A growing body of research shows that video games may be used to enhance cognitive skills, with particular reference to attentional abilities. This research study explored the effects of video game playing on visual selective attention in a young adult sample. A secondary research objective explored the possibility that gender acted as a moderating variable with regard to their visual selective attention. This was achieved by means of a quantitative research design, which consisted of a survey research and a quasi-experimental research design. Participants were sampled using purposive sampling ( n = 80), and to test the effects of video game playing and gender on visual selective attention, participants were exposed to a computerised version of the Stroop task. Data were analysed using a two-way between-group analysis of variance (ANOVA) and results indicated a statistically significant difference in visual selective attention abilities between video game players and the non-players. Video gamers thus exhibited more advanced attentional skills than non-players. There were no interaction effects between video game playing and gender, and gender did not have a statistically significant main effect on participants’ visual selective attention

Analysis of variance · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Multimedia · Selective attention · Stroop effect · Task (project management) · Video game · Visual attention · Cognitive Abilities and Testing · Computer Science · Mind wandering and attention · Psychological and Temporal Perspectives Research · Psychology

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Unique citing works2
Citations per year2
Citation span2026 - 2026 (1)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 2
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