There is no conclusive evidence as to whether or not cognitive training tasks, or brain games, are effective. Companies like Lumosity offer their users different games that target specific cognitive functions: memory, spatial awareness, problem solving, attention, reasoning, and more. Over time, the continued use of the games are supposed to improve cognition, and there are studies that show the effectiveness of the training; however, there are also studies that show how the training is not effective at all. With brain games being a new field of study, there are not many studies available, so there are many discontinuities among results. The purpose of this paper is to explore the different findings from various studies of brain games and their efficacy, and offer insight as to why the discrepancies exist. Brain games are a form of cognitive training and are specifically designed to train the brain by taking advantage of a phenomenon called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is defined on MedicineNet as the “brain 's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life,” and it “allows the neurons in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment” (Neuroplasticity). Cognitive training is anything the works out the muscles of the brain: reading is a form of cognitive training. For this reason, not all games should be considered brain games because most
In today’s society video games have a large influence on people. We also might be driven to the point of where we are dependent on them. In fact, being so engulfed in video games could help children become more focused.In fact, parents would probably disagree and say that video games wouldn’t be essential to learning because it would probably be considered a waste of time for children and time-consuming. Parents would also disagree with the content of what is in the game, but there is a great possibility that video games could actually make us smarter. Steven Johnson explains that the games we are used to playing can improve our visual intelligence and that it would be good to learn new strategies through gaming. Video games should be an
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Have you ever sat down planning to watch one TV show or play one round of video games or quickly check your Snapchat, only to find yourself doing the same activity hours later? I can extremely relate to this. I may be watching one episode of netflix than i find myself on to the fifth episode when i do not even realize the time. People do this because watching television, playing video games, using your phone or doing many other non active activities are all “cognitively stimulating”. Angus Chen explains how television is cognitively stimulating, in his article “Too Much TV And Chill Could Reduce Brain Power Over Time”. A cognitive stimulation is an activity that is enjoyable that you use thinking, concentration and memory while doing. Furthermore,
Pt is a 69 y/o female referred to skilled PT due to decline in ADL’s of transfer and gait, BLE muscle weakness with decreased coordination, increasing confusion and required increasing assistance with functional ADL’s. Pt was noted with 2 fall incidents on 3/3/2018 and 3/19/2018. PMH: Alzheimer’s disease, cellulitis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, depressive disorder. PLOF: a resident in assistive living facility (ALF), mod I with ADL’s and self care, bed mobility and transfer, SBA with ambulation w/o AD. CLOF: gait with no AD and SBA for 150’, standing dynamic balance at fair-, BLE coordination at fair-. Pt’s goal is return to prior level of function of I. The following article exploring cognitive reserve might help the patient as well as people
In "can you make yourself smarter?", the author Dan Hurley informs the readers of the benefits of playing a memory game. Hurley grabs the readers by seeking for this answer. Can one simply make them self smarter by playing a game? Hurley studied researchers and theorist and came upon a study in which third graders where playing a game that theoretically improves memorization. The children earn point by remembering which window the cat appeared in. If the children are right the game slowly progresses with higher levels. The higher the level they're on the longer the sequence the cat takes. By having the children playing the game it theoretically makes them smarter. But It's not always the case. The game is only effective if the child is engaged
164). This non-invasive intervention uses electrodes that are placed on the scalp, to measure brain function (including brainwave pattens, auditory and visual feedback), which allows participants to observe their own brain function to enhance theor cognitive ability. For the most effective results participants were required complete a minimum of 1 to 2 sessions a week and for longer lasting improvements, at least 10 sessions a week. During each session, participants listened to sounds while playing a video game, they play the game by using only their brain. When their brain wave activity reaches the required criteria, they gain points (which acts as the reward in this appliction of operant conditioning). This type of brain training has shown to be effective as it has been used to treat mental illness, and improve cognitive ability, especially among older populations (Rabipour & Raz, 2012, p. 165).
In 2012, Nouchi et al. conducted a study in which older adults had to play either a Nintendo brain training game called Brain Age or Tetris. The participants had to play their assigned game for 4 weeks 15 minutes per day. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible effects of a brain training game on the cognitive functioning of older adults. As expected, the results showed that both groups performed significantly better at playing their game during the last time playing compared to the first time playing. However, did the participants only get better at playing their game or was there more at play?
Yes, the researchers took the correct measures throughout their investigation of cognitive brain training. A number of methods were used to test the hypothesis that cognitive brain training does make immense improvement to brain function. Through the use of brain training systems such as simple brain training games, researchers were able to test the memory and focus of the elderly population and used surveys and questionnaires to gain feedback and make an accurate evaluation of the improvements made on the cognitive function of the elderly.
Gamboa, Camille. "What Types Of Video Games Improve Brain Function?". EurekAlert!. N.p., 2015. Web. 12 Feb.
Video games can improve visual skills and brain function. Video games increase spatial awareness. When playing different video games eyes are focused on a video game a person are more likely to gain different eye strengths after training the brain. Action video games train the brain to better process certain visual information. When people play action video games, they’re changing the brain’s pathway responsible for visual processing (Masnick 1). Video games change brain functions. Researchers today are reporting that first-person-shooter
In today’s society, the concerns for the effects of video games have acquired quite a terrible reputation. Worried parents around the world assume video games make their children do poorly in school, and create violent, desensitized, antisocial children. The increase in violent games, usually get the blame for aggressive behavior, shootings and violence in schools and young individuals. Most beliefs about video games effect on the brain and emotions are very common misconceptions. I strongly believe that video games are an essential tool to learning and gaining much-needed skills. When people look at the studies that have been done on video games and the brain, it will be apparent that some myths about video games have been blown out of proportion. It has come to my attention that there are studies that prove the negative effects of video games may only last the duration of game play. Kids can improve in general knowledge with educational video games like Leap Frog. Video games can train specific areas of the brain as well as increase brain flexibility and memory. Gaming actually has more beneficial effects than negative effects. Video games are excellent educational implement used in elementary schools. It is extremely helpful in brain development and helping kids with trouble reading improve. Memory retention can be improved and increased with the use of strategic, thinking games. Video games, as funny as it might sound, even promote
Video games can be used as instructional tools as well. They have positive elements and add value; they create a micro world of their own. The players act based on natural tendencies towards learning. Therefore, learning occurs while playing (Rosas et al., 2003).
In recent years brain training games have become a topic of interest among both researchers and common people alike. Researchers are interested in the healing properties of brain training while normal people are looking to brain training as a way to improve their performance and get a leg up on the competition in school, work, and life. Up until recently, it was believed that the brain was unchangeable in terms of memory capacity. Researchers were well aware of the fact that the brain can change and form new connections when brain damage occurs. However, the idea that humans can train their brains to be more efficient and stronger seemed like a far-fetched cry from reality up until the late 1990’s (Weicker, Villringer & Thöne-Otto, 2016). As time went on and more research was conducted in the field of brain training, it became clear that brain training is not an exact science but, it does have real cognitive benefits.
Brain Games: Watch This is a show that hacks the human brain using shapes, sounds, motions, colors, language, senses, sensations that created a mind-blowing sensory illusions and how our brain can mislead us. Our perception of things that are different than what they actually are.
There is a widely held belief that commercially available computerized brain-training programs improve cognitive function. 2 Although society has accepted this correlation of “brain games” and increased cognitive ability, it has yet to be proven.1 Regardless of this, there has been a recent spawn of enterprises dedicated to creating these games. Of these enterprises, the most well-known companies are Lumosity and Brain Age.1 These companies even argue that brain training is as good as physical training.4 Websites like