Correlational Studies
Strengths:
- Broad Applicability: Correlational studies are highly versatile and allow researchers to explore relationships between multiple variables, such as screen time and attention span, across diverse populations.
- Ease of Data Collection: These studies can be conducted on large sample sizes efficiently, making them cost-effective and representative of real-world scenarios.
- Reveals Patterns: Although not causal, correlations provide crucial insights into patterns and trends that guide further experimental research.
Limitations:
- No Causal Inference: Correlational studies cannot determine if one variable directly causes changes in another, leaving ambiguity in the relationships observed.
- For example, increased gaming could improve skills, or skilled individuals might naturally prefer gaming.
- Third-Variable Problem: Confounding variables may influence results, such as socioeconomic status impacting both technology use and cognitive outcomes.
Rosser et al. (2007)
Aim: To examine if video gaming enhances laparoscopic surgeons’ skills.
Method: Correlational study with 33 surgeons.
Procedure: Participants reported gaming habits and performed surgical drills.
Results: Surgeons who played video games for over three hours weekly made 37% fewer errors and operated 27% faster.
Conclusion: Video gaming enhances motor skills and focused attention, though the findings are limited to specific tasks like surgery.
Experimental Studies
Strengths:
- Causal Relationships: By manipulating one variable (independent variable) while controlling others, experiments establish clear cause-and-effect relationships, which are critical for understanding how technology influences cognition.
- Control Over Variables: Experiments allow researchers to isolate specific factors, such as the effects of spatial gaming, reducing ambiguity and improving the reliability of results.
Limitations:
- Artificial Settings: Laboratory experiments may lack ecological validity, as participants’ behaviors in controlled environments may not reflect real-world scenarios.
- Complex Variable Control: Ensuring rigorous control of confounding variables can be challenging, particularly in studies involving human behaviors.
Sanchez (2012)
Aim: To test whether gaming improves spatial cognition and understanding of abstract concepts.
Method: Experimental study with 60 university students.
Procedure:
- Group 1 played a spatial game (Halo), while Group 2 played a verbal game (Word Whomp).
- Both groups read a complex scientific text and wrote essays on it.
Results: The spatial gaming group demonstrated better comprehension of complex concepts.
Conclusion: Spatial gaming enhances abstract reasoning, aiding in tasks such as understanding plate tectonics.
Observation
Strengths:
- Naturalistic Data: Observations capture behaviors as they occur in real-life settings, making the findings highly ecologically valid.
- Holistic Approach: This method allows researchers to measure multiple variables simultaneously, such as task-switching and the frequency of interruptions during study sessions.
