M Videogames as Educational Research Tools

ost reported effects of videogames particularly in the popular press appear to centre upon the alleged negative consequences. These have included my own research into video game addiction,1,2 increased aggressiveness,3 and the various medical and psychosocial effects.4 However, there are many references to the posit ive benefits of videogames in the literature.5,6 Research dating right back to the early 1980s has consistently shown that playing computer games (irrespective of genre) produces reductions in reaction times, improved hand-eye co-ordination and raises players’ self-esteem. What’s more, curiosity, fun and the nature of the challenge also appear to add to a game’s educational potential.7 This paper briefly overviews some of the educational benefits of videogame playing.