New study shows practice really does make perfect, and video games are a great way to get that practice.
This study performed by researchers at Rockefeller University involved tracking neuron activity while subjects learned and repeated a given task. They found that initially, the memory circuits were unstable, but as the task was practiced repeatedly, neural pathways began to stabilize and solidify.
“The findings essentially illustrate that repetitive training not only enhances skill proficiency but also leads to profound changes in the brain’s memory circuits, making performance more accurate and automatic.â€
The challenge is, most of us really don’t like repetitive tasks. This is where video game therapeutics thrive, providing three major advantages over traditional learning or behavioural modification.
(1) In a flow state, our perceived effort is greatly reduced (we are working hard but don’t know it)
(2) Engaging play accelerates the formation of new neural pathways (we work less to achieve a desired result)
(3) Simulation is as good as reality at creating new memories (we can achieve the same things in a safer environment)
As we get closer to understanding, we can see play is an essential component for creating and adopting new behaviors at all ages. So…Game On!
Fenz, K. (2024, May 18). Practice Makes Perfect: Crystallized Memory Formation Explored. Neuroscience News. https://neurosciencenews.com/crystallized-memory-practice-26135/
