STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 27, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. scientists say
they've determined video games that energize players and induce a positive mood
might also enhance the players' creativity.
The Pennsylvania State University media researchers also discovered players who
were not highly energized and had a negative mood, registered the highest
creativity.
"You need defocused attention for being creative," said Penn State Professor S.
Shyam Sundar. "When you have low arousal and are negative, you tend to focus on
detail and become more analytical."
Sundar and graduate student Elizabeth Hutton said they are trying to determine
the value of video games as a vehicle for sparking positive social traits, such
as creativity.
"Video games are not just for entertainment alone," said Sundar. "We are trying
to figure out how they can aid in education as well."
The scientists determined either high or low arousal is key to creativity. In
other words, medium amounts of arousal aren't conducive to creativity.
Sundar and Hutton presented their findings last week in Montreal during the
annual conference of the International Communication Association.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2008 by United Press International