Video game engines as the new “virtual” Skinner box
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10244419 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Michael E Young (0000-0003-1493-9548, Baylor University Waco TX USA, corresponding author), Patrick M Hancock (Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA), Lucas Watson (Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA), Brian Howatt (Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA), Brian C Howatt (0000-0001-9195-4712, Kansas State University), Robert Southern (Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA), Karissa Payne (Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 125 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | e70081-e70081 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-5002 • E-ISSN: 1938-3711 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/jeab.70081 |
| PMID | 41503945 |
| OpenAlex | W7118414735 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 89 |
The Skinner box has provided a standardized method of conducting experiments on operant behavior throughout the history of behavior analysis. As technology has advanced, these operant chambers have become increasingly complex to allow for the study of new stimuli, behavior, and outcomes. The present article takes this variability one step further by advocating for the use of video game engines in the study of operant behavior in humans. Game engines provide high levels of flexibility, control, and realism as well as continuous behavioral tracking, dynamic stimulus presentation, and complex reinforcement schedules that greatly expand the range of research questions that can be addressed. Importantly, the potential for increasing stimulus, response, and outcome variability provides the basis for assessing and maximizing the generalizability of operant and related principles. This article illustrates the use of video game engines to study causal inference, delay discounting, loot boxes, foraging, and multiplayer dynamics. Adopting game engines in behavioral research not only expands the scope of behavior analysis but also increases its relevance to real‐world behavior, offering a promising path forward for innovation
Behavioural sciences · Generality · Generalizability theory · Operant conditioning · Reinforcement · Relevance (law) · Stimulus (psychology) · Stimulus control · Video game · Behavioral and Psychological Studies · Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression · Cognitive Abilities and Testing
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Promises and Perils of Experimentation
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Motivations for Play in Online Games
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Waiting When Both Certainty and Magnitude Are Increasing
The Simple Economics of Basic Scientific Research
The shame of American education
Poker-machine gambling
Using games to understand the mind
Factors relevant to the validity of experiments in social settings
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |