Applied Research in Internet Gaming

Education

Internet gaming is now being used as a new way for children to experience and learn about various subjects in ways that are more engaging for our fast paced society than traditional academic learning. It is also becoming an increasingly important tool in examining the learning process and the thinking and behaviors involved in it.

For example, Rice University's Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning, has been experimenting with a game called the Reconstructors in order to help students understand the concepts of neuroscience.  The players are part of a historical medical squad collecting and documenting evidence on analgesic interactions of neurophysiology.  It operates just like a game and the players discover and unearth actual information on these topics (Miller et al, 2002). 

For More Information Click Here

Another study showed that virtual ethnography can be used to look at behavior patterns in how we learn new things, both in individual and social areas.  The game Lineage was examined through the more you play the more you learn. In fact you have to play the game in order to learn and get better at it. This deals with the cognitive techniques of elaborative rehearsal and over learning (Steinkeuhler 2001). 

For Full Article, Click Here

Military

The military uses internet and internet gaming technology to educate and produce combat or situation ready soldiers. The soldiers go through physical training in environments similar to areas they would be stationed but this type of training is rather expensive and time consuming so they (army in particular) use virtual training.  A program called SIMNET (simulation network) pods and other simulators allow the player to interact with their virtual world.  They are able to do everything from learning to drive a vehicle to reenacting entire battles from a computer screen or game console (Prensky, 2001).  These simulations range from being done individually on a single player level to a multiplayer function that is more like a coalition operation that can be played online with other members some despite where the players are stationed.

 Another type of training is the use of constructive games. These games are RTS or (Real Time Strategy) games such as Joint Force Employment (JFE). Games like these are war simulations where the player makes their “forces” move and shoot.  The program allows the player to blow up bridges and enemy forces in a realistic simulation of actual combat (Prensky, 2001).By examining research data from these games the military can better gauge the skills and examine the cognitions of its members for better efficiency.  It also allows them to practice complex and usually dangerous assignments with in safe environments allowing for elaborative rehearsal and overall development of critical thinking and technical skills that are necessary out in the field.

Research Applications 

Psychologists appear to now be using the internet for research other than surveys. A researcher recently constructed a virtual laboratory within the game Second Life which was used in reexamination of the famous Stanley Milgram Experiment. He reenacted with virtual avatars the shock experiment as a way to avoid ethical issues (Lietzel, 2008).

 In addition to these virtual laboratories, the use of internet games as far as social research has become a huge motivator in business.  For example, the points systems for achievements (even those that are not redeemable) have been translated to other applications to entice people to continue to buy, play or work at various tasks (Kim, 2006). 

Business

Research using Multiplayer interaction games have been used much like with the military as simulations for the way people interact with teams of other people. In the business world the game Quake and Counterstrike were both used in this context.  By examining the actions of these individuals to the simulation the employers gauged whether or not the members would work well together because they had utilized a lot of the same generalized skills such as cooperation, determination, and critical thinking skills (Hahsler & Koch, 2004).