Video Games and Child Development

Paper Summary:

Technological advancements have allowed society to be actively involved in a virtual world, thus providing cognitive stimulation. This paper examines how the effects of video games can influence the six major themes in developmental psychology. These themes include nature and nurture, socio-cultural influences, the active role of the child, continuous versus discontinuous, individual differences, and the interaction among domains.
Outline
Introduction
The Effects of Video Games on the Cognitive Development of the Child
The Effects of Video Games on the Motor Performance of the Child
The Effects of Video Games on the Social Development of the Child
Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In recent events, violent acts from adolescents at school have taken precedence. An adolescent need not fire at gun to be an outstanding marksman. Video games proved the target practice that facilitates becoming one. A fascination with computer games turned Michael Carneal, a fourteen-year-old from Kentucky, into an excellent marksman. As Grossman describes it "Michael Carneal...fired eight shots...at a bunch of milling, scrambling, creaming children.... Even more astounding was the kill ratio. Each kid was hit once. Three were killed; one was paralyzed for life... He simply fired one shot at everything that popped up on this screen" (Anderson & Song, p. 4 ). Sadly, such adverse effects on varying levels are seen commonly among aggressors whose reality is tainted with the illusions of video games."

More papers on Video Games and Child Development:

• Research Paper # 102554 : "TV Violence and Aggression"
• Persuasive Essay # 101471 : "Violence in the Media and the Effect on Children and Adolescents"
• Research Paper # 84896 : "Bowlby's Attachment Theory"

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