Training of spatial competencies by means of gesturecontrolled sports games

Abstract

Spatial competencies are one of the most prominent gender differences in view of cognitive abilities. Psychological and interdisciplinary games studies proved a general malleability of spatial competencies. In addition, some studies prove that spatial competencies can be improved by playing First- Person Shooter games. Furthermore studies show that individual spatial experiences are of great importance for the development of spatial competencies. Consequently individual differences in spatial competencies are constituted by learning, training and development factors. Playing video games count to these experiences and are therefore considered as beneficial means of training intervention. This research project examines suitable training methods for spatial competencies on the basis of gesture-controlled sports games. The aim is to test the effectiveness of this kind of training. It is expected that participants in a 9 hour training intervention will improve their spatial competencies after playing a mimetic Dance game. A small N study shows that significant effects can be expected when studying the optimal sample size.