Exergaming Project: Do Video Games Enhance Memory?

Jill Wager, Alex Regna, Nate Bourg, Dakota Tostanoski

Abstract Hypothesis Conclusion

This study was conducted as a means of finding the
answer to a given hypothesis, being, do video
games enhance memory? A total of 11 subjects
were tested with this theory by initially asking them to
play an online memory game, receiving their maximal
results, and then playing a video game for a duration
of time. After playing the video game, we asked the
subjects to then play the online memory game for a
second time. We recorded their results and then
compared their second score with their first score.
After looking at this set of data, we were able to
conclude that the majority of participants did improve
their cognitive function and memory after playing
video games, however, there were some individuals
who differentiated from the rest of the group and
received consistent or potentially worse results.
The hypothesis that we were testing was as
followed: after playing video games for a
specific duration of time, memory can
become enhanced and improve cognitive
function.
Null Hypothesis
Playing video games for a specific duration of
time will leave no significant impact on
cognitive functioning and memory.
After the experiment was done, we were able to
conclude that video gaming did significantly
improve the short term memory of certain
individuals. This was evident by our
observations made of the results of the
participants after paying the game. Also, in
some cases, the video game did not improve
specific peoples memory. Out of the 11 total
participants, 7 improved their memory/score, 2
remained consistent, and 2 participants did not
improve and even received worse scores.

Methods and Results

With our participants, we initially asked them to

play an online memory game prior to playing video
games. In the memory game, there are a series of
rounds that get progressively longer in the
sequence, then the participant needed to recite the
sequence again. Each correct reciting equaled a
point, and their total points were added together.
After playing video games for roughly 15-30
minutes, we asked them to play the same game
again. We recorded the results in both rounds and
compared them to one another after it was
completed. Our findings varied, however, it was
evident that video gaming can have the potential to
enhance memory on some, but can actually inhibit
memory on others.