The Year in Psychology and Gaming

PsychTech - PAX East 2016

Kelli Dunlap, Psy.D. Fellow M.A. Game Design

American University

@KelliNDunlap DunlapPsyD.com

Josué Cardona, M.S. “People, Technology, Learning”

@JosueACardona JosueCardona.com

ESA Infographics

Zimbardo

Superbetter

Technical Report on the Review of the Violent Video Game Literature

Open Statement to the APA Task Force on Violent Media

39/100

Replication Crisis

LoL Research

1. Anti-social behavior in games is a problem

Anti-Social Behavior in Games: How Can Game Design Help?

Study by DOTA 2 found abusive behavior by another player as the only significant predictor of players leaving

1. Anti-social behavior in games is a problem

Anti-Social Behavior in Games: How Can Game Design Help?

2. Behavior is motivated by interactions within a complex system

Player behavior is a spider web, not a chain link.

1. Anti-social behavior in games is a problem

Anti-Social Behavior in Games: How Can Game Design Help?

2. Behavior is motivated by interactions within a complex system3. Game systems often (unintentionally) reward negative behavior and ignore positive behavior

Player behavior is a spider web, not a chain link.

1. Anti-social behavior in games is a problem

Anti-Social Behavior in Games: How Can Game Design Help?

2. Behavior is motivated by interactions within a complex system3. Game systems often (unintentionally) reward negative behavior and ignore positive behavior 4. Game designers design game systems and therefore have the power to reduce antisocial behavior in games

Player behavior is a spider web, not a chain link.

Achievement / Mastery

Immersion / Creativity

Action / Social

Future Trends/Predictions: VR, VR, VR, VR, VR…

Indirect/Passive/Observational Research (behavior analysis)

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@PsychTechCast

The Psychology and Technology Podcast

Exploring the human side of technology.