Motivational effects of adding context relevant stress in PC-based game training

    Authors

    C. S. Morris; P. A. Hancock;E. C. Shirkey

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Milit. Psychol.

    Keywords

    PERFORMANCE; ACTIVATION; Psychology, Multidisciplinary

    Abstract

    This work was designed to examine the effects of contextually relevant stress on personal computer (PC)-based game training. Off-the-shelf PC-based games are being applied to many training situations because of their affordability, flexibility, and teaming capabilities. The ultimate purpose of training is to transfer superior performance to the real world. In this respect, 1 of the major drawbacks to using games as training tools, especially for military applications, is the absence of the surrounding context. In response to this omission, we examined the effects of adding context-relevant stress to infantry game-based training by exposing 1 group of participants to a graphically intense and stressful experience while the control group viewed an unstressful analog. Pre-post self-reported stress levels confirmed the efficacy of this manipulation. The stress condition produced significantly higher scores on "mission success"; however, no differences were evident in participants' use of trained tactics or game functions. Supplementing context-relevant stress in game training shows promise for enhancing individuals' motivation to succeed.

    Journal Title

    Military Psychology

    Volume

    16

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2004

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    135

    Last Page

    147

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000221438200004

    ISSN

    0899-5605

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