A procedure for studying strategy development in humans

Abstract

An early version of the computer game Star Trek was modified to conduct behavioral research. By appropriate use of the starship's weapon and defense systems, the player can kill enemy ships and avoid destruction. The player's moves, as well as the time and state of the game environment when each move occurs, are recorded. The procedure tracks performance changes over time very well, and allows the dissection of performance into sequences of commands that reflect the subject's play strategy. Computer games such as Star Trek could be the basis for experiments that bridge the gap between operant and cognitive research. © 1995 Psychonomic Society, Inc.