Review of Related Literature and Studies
Related Literature
Surpassing music and movie media in sales, there's little doubt that computer gaming has become high school students' favorite leisure choice. Not surprisingly, gaming culture has become a polarizing force. Proponents see new educational opportunities, while critics cite a growing body of research that suggests negative impacts on behavior and cognition.
Children who play video games may be more technologically competent. In many schools, computers and technology are used as teaching tools. Some video games also promote fine motor skills, which assist children in writing, cutting and other activities that draw on the dexterity and manipulation of the fingers. Psychologist Dr. Drew Messer performed studies between 2001 and
2007 involving adults and children and concluded that video gaming can enhance cooperation and fine motor skills. Video games require focus. Many require players to think logically to solve problems. Players must actively follow directions to successfully complete problems presented in a game. Similarly, students in school must pay attention and follow directions.
Some studies indicate that playing video games has a negative effect on a child's academic performance. When children play video games, they are typically not reinforcing school activities or doing homework. However, a survey of 4,500 middle school children conducted by
Dr. Iman Sharif indicates that the frequency and times children play video games determine any negative effects. When compared with their academic progress, Dr. Sharif concluded that video game play during the week was harmful to a child's academic progress, but playing during the weekend did not adversely affect a student's performance.
A study by Gentile, Lynch, Linder and Walsh tested whether violent video games were more likely to lead to aggression in school. Psychologists Linder, Gentile and Walsh