Source Better health through Halo 3? September 5, 2008 LONG AN ENEMY of bedtimes and homework, video games have gained new and unexpected respect from the American Psychological Association. Research presented last month at the group's convention sheds a new light on video games. Without ignoring their role in childhood obesity and learning troubles, a study at the University of Wisconsin at Madison also highlights the benefits of button-mashing - it reinforces scientific thinking and improves performance by laparoscopic surgeons. Since the days of Pong and Pac-Man, scolds have warned about the destructive effects of video gaming. But it's encouraging to learn that even a much-reviled activity can have an unexpected upside. The Wisconsin researchers scoured message boards for fans of the online game World of Warcraft to see how gamers were communicating. They found not a font for sophomoric trash-talk, but a system of "collective intelligence." In this collaborative forum, gamers shared tips based on empirical evidence - a cornerstone of the scientific process. Another study measured the performance of 33 laparoscopic surgeons. Laparoscopic surgery is performed in tight spaces, requiring hand dexterity, spatial skills, and the ability to guide remote-controlled cameras to see inside the body. Surgeons who play video games completed procedures 27 percent faster and with 37 percent more accuracy than their non-gamer colleagues. For gamers, this news may sound like cause for jubilation: PlayStation will help me pwn (dominate) my math exam? Leet! (Awesome!) The study also raises the tantalizing possibility that other frowned-upon activities have ancillary benefits. Maybe chewing gum leads to eloquence, or texting while walking leads to good peripheral vision. Even so, the public shouldn't draw extravagant conclusions from the Wisconsin findings. Although the study found that video games have a significant positive effect on surgeon performance, practicing surgical maneuvers with a simulator (like those used by pilots) may yield similar improvements. It is also possible that gamers may make better surgeons because nimble hands or technological prowess draws them to both pursuits - not because the games themselves improve surgeons' skills. For young people who wish to become surgeons, the best bet is still to excel in academics. Whatever its benefits, Halo 3 will not provide the intellect and fortitude needed to weather medical school, and it isn't the 21st-century road to a career. But it sure is fun. Source
I knew my 50+ hours a week of halo would pay off in the future for me :] Now if you'll excuse me, ima go operate on someone.
uh oh. Try practising your heart surgeries on friends and family before strangers, lol. Its kind a situation of adding 2 and 2 together, intriquite series of button pressing helps with very intriquite manouvering of hands with tools. Either way, I appluad these people for discovering this.
Strangely enough I completely agree with this. In Year 8 (Grade 8) I didn't play video games much. I ended up getting a mere 2 or 3 A* (A+) grades to finish the year with. But in year 9 where I played video games/went on computer more I got an suprising 7 A* (A+) grades to finish the year. Boy was I happy! It helped me academically?! Still, I'm not saying that with improved intelligence I should now go and operate on people too...
I always knew that videogames would help me some how hehe lol all that time has payed off lol Nice fine RadiantRAin
Wow I am so showing this to my mom next time she says that video games are bad for you! Great find Radiant!
Dude, you are not going to believe this, but I live in Wisconsin, play halo 3 and command and conquer every day, and want to work in the ER when I grow up.
I have noticed this myself. Ever since I became a game addict, my scientific thinking levels have gone through the roof. Now, I always contemplate the way games work and think about what makes them do what they do, etc. Video games ARE a good thing!
It's kind of like music. I also play the piano and that has boosted my math and thinking skills a lot. I have never NOT gotten straight A's. Top that with my obsession with rowing, and machines, and you've got all the skills you need to get into a good school.
Agh. I absolutely HATE piano, and math too. I'm still really good at both, though. It really pisses me off. I suck at the things I love, but rock at the things I hate. >.<
I figured that some games could help you with hand reflexes and stuff like that. I also think that unless you are insane or have some kind of bloodthirst, that video games are great to cool down and chill by shooting people, leveling up, or rolling around as the prince of time picking up buildings and stuff. So, they must have some positive psychological impact. Now excuse me while I go to see my therapist, Dr. Master Chief PhD.
Well, um, I am classified by most as insane. So, yeah, you might wanna keep me away from Halo when I'm pissed off.