A review : action video gaming and its impact on multitasking performance

• Main Authors: Eng, Jia Ling, Tok, Penny Pei Ni, R. Durgah
• Other Authors: Douglas B. Matthews
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60330
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Even though there is an increasing demand for multitasking, we are limited in our ability to multitask. Research proposed that Action Video Games (AVGs) might contribute to a reduction in multitasking costs due to its nature. Therefore, we reviewed the literature to explore the effect of AVGs on multitasking in task switching and dual-task paradigms. We divided our review to the following sections: (1) correlational studies involving Action Video Game Players (AVGPs) and multitasking (2) empirical studies involving AVG training and multitasking. Generally, studies indicate that AVGs have a positive relationship with multitasking with the exception of a few studies due to differences in the experimental design. We supplemented our review by (3) investigating working memory and attention, cognitive skills involved in multitasking and AVG due to the scarcity in the literature. Finally, we discussed the methodological limitations of the studies and proposed future directions for this emerging field.