The scientists explained why video games are good for memory
MOSCOW, 30 Sep — RIA Novosti. Gamers is able to store and analyze information faster than those who do not spend time playing computer games, I think neuroscientists from Ruhr University Bochum.
To such conclusion scientists came after an experiment involving two groups of volunteers — experienced players, giving of action Packed games more than 15 hours per week, and those who do not play regularly. Participants proposed a test: they had to predict whether the weather is “Sunny” or “rainy” on the basis of combinations of cards corresponding to the probability of a particular outcome.
At the time of the test, the researchers removed the figures of the participants using magnetic resonance imaging. After testing, the volunteers filled out a questionnaire in which it was necessary to describe the pattern adopted in the course of the game decisions.
The experiment showed that gamers have coped with the task better, and the analysis of the questionnaire — that they learned more information.
“Our research shows that gamers faster analyze the situation, draw conclusions and break down the facts of the categories, especially in situations with high uncertain outcome,” said one of the study’s authors Sabine Schenk.
Scientists noted that this type of perception is associated with increased activity of the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for memory.
“We believe that video games train specific parts of the brain, e.g., hippocampus. This is important not only for young people but for older people, because changes in the hippocampus can lead to memory impairment. Perhaps in the future we will be able to fix it with computer games,” added Schenk.