Local psychologist researches positive effects of video games with URI students

By: Lindsay Lorenz

Posted: 4/25/08

04/25/08 - While many University of Rhode Island students look to video games as a distraction or a hobby, Randy Kulman, a clinical psychologist in Peace Dale, R.I., looks to them as a learning tool.

For the past 15 years, Kulman has been researching how video games can enhance the brain's executive functions - processes like quick thinking, strategizing, organizing and planning.

Kulman said that video games spark children's interests, and by pointing out different skills they teach, he can aid children with learning and attention disorders.

"The real key is telling them how to use the games," Kulman said, explaining that getting skills from the games is not something one picks up subconsciously. "Our goal is take some of that time we could say they're wasting away in front of the TV and use it to teach life skills."

During the past four summers, Kulman has looked to college students to assist him with his research, many of whom are URI students.

At the start of each summer, Kulman works with his interns, explaining concepts associated with the project. The students are then assigned video and Internet games, many of which are popular right now, like Brain Age or Zelda. Sometimes interns pick their own games.

Next comes the fun part: interns play the games. Some spend only a few minutes, others hours, locating skills from which children could benefit.

Afterward they record their findings in coaching guides, which are posted on Kulman's Web site, Learningworksforkids.com.

So far, Kulman said he and his interns have tested hundreds of games.

"College kids are ideal for me because they still like to play games, but they're able to step back and look at what they're doing," he said.

Kulman cited "Guitar Hero" as a game he continues to analyze. The game asks players to use buttons on a guitar to play notes that scroll quickly across the screen.

The sustained attention it requires, Kulman said, can help students to process visual information quicker, which ties into reading quicker.

Handheld Nintendo DS games, like Nintendogs, teach task persistence and time management skills. If players neglect to feed their pets, the dogs die. Kulman said this is where children can benefit from the games.

"We're taking video game playing and applying it to real world skills," he said. "We are showing parents and teachers how to use video games to teach thinking skills, and that games are vehicles to teach."

In past summers, most interns have been psychology or education majors, as both are related to his research. However, students in other disciplines have participated.

Kulman said he is looking for students who enjoy games, are decent writers and understand that it is possible to learn things from video games.

Jamie Hanson, 27, graduated from URI last December with a psychology degree. She and Ivan Mendoza, a senior psychology major, both played video games as children. Hanson said she likes that her job allows her to work around one of her hobbies.

"It's pretty fun," Hanson said. "It's work and play, I don't think there are a lot of jobs where you can do both at the same time."

Mendoza said he appreciates that the internship allows him to work at his own pace. In fact, interns only have to come into the office for about three hours a week.

"Much of it's done at home with your buddies," Kulman added.

Those interested in working for Kulman are asked to contact him at 401-789-1553.