Paul Higgins: I know that this is not exactly true but shouldn’t research be looking for the truth, not getting on one side or other of the argument? I have a scientific background with a veterinary degree and a research degree and I was always taught that we should be testing a hypothesis. The framing of that hypothesis is vital in formulating a study. There is a big difference between formulating a hypothesis that says “gaming has an effect on behaviour” where you measure all sorts of behaviours to see if that is true versus “gaming has a negative effect on behaviour” and only looking for and measuring the negatives.
Can video games teach us how to behave? | MedicalXpress.com
For the first time, the positive effects of computer games on thoughts, emotions and behaviour will be the subject of closer scrutiny by social psychologists. A total of three studies will explore how, to which extent and for how long cooperative gaming behaviour influences the personality of gamers positively. The project, funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), will complete the current state of research on personality effects from computer games, which has previously been dominated by studies of negative consequences. The studies have the potential to offer significant ideas for analysing and reinforcing social skills in all age groups.