The computer game training effect for women may depend on initial spatial ability scores

Abstract

In this project we tried to explore what it is in games that may enhance spatial abilities. Previous research has shown that action games may enhance gamers’ scores on the Mental Rotation test (MRT), while evidence is found both for and against that puzzle games could do the same. We used three different games, and one control group, with a total of 32 participants matched over these four groups. The games were Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault, which has been used as an action game in previous studies; Portal, which is labeled as an action/puzzle game; and Supreme Commander, labeled as a real-time strategy game. In addition to the MRT, we also explored the training effect on spatial abilities with the Visual Patterns test (VPT) and the Corsi Block test (CBT). No training effect was found for any of the games on any of the tests. All game groups, including the control group improved their scores on the MRT and the VPT, but there was no difference between the game groups. The results further indicate that only the matched quartets with a low pre-test score on the MRT improve their scores, while those with higher pre-test score perform at the same level on subsequent testings.