Work

A review of the use of psychophysiological methods in game research

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: This article reviews the psychophysiological method in game research. Psychophysiological measurements provide an objective, continuous, real-time, noninvasive, precise and sensitive way to assess the game experience. However, the best results require controlled experiments with careful monitoring of variables, large enough sample sizes and expertise in electrical signal processing. We briefly explain the theory behind the method and present the most useful measures: electromyography (EMG), electrodermal activity (EDA), electroencephalography (EEG) and cardiac measures. We review previous studies that have used psychophysiological measures in game research and illustrate some future directions. Our article covers several research lines using the psychophysiological method in game studies, and offers a comprehensive list of references for those interested in the field.

Source: Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds

DOI: 10.1386/jgvw.3.3.181_1

Authors: J. Matias Kivikangas, Guillaume Chanel, Ben Cowley, Inger Ekman, Mikko Salminen, Simo Järvelä, Niklas Ravaja

Institutions: Aalto University, University of Geneva, University of Helsinki, Helsinki Institute for Information Technology

Language: English

Topic: Digital Games and Media

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2063821783

FWCI: 56.15

Cites: 101

Cited by: 306

Related to: 9