A study at the University of Wollongong has revealed some computer games may improve children's behaviour.Software developed by researchers from the university's School of Psychology has been shown in a pilot study to be beneficial in altering the behaviour of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Now researchers are looking for more children, aged between seven and 14, to take part in an extension of the project. It will include children with no attention problems whose abilities may be enhanced by taking part in the games.Study leader Dr Stuart Johnstone said the games used a reward system to constantly push participants to improve."They do enjoy it and there's a reward system in place," he said. "They go up levels and accumulate points and work towards a goal."There are two games," he said. "One is focusing on controlling impulses, so we'll throw a bunch of images in front of them - for example, fish - and every time they see a picture of a fish they press a button. "Anything that's not a fish, they don't push the button."It develops their ability to control impulses. Do I press the button? So it's putting a decision-making process in place."The second is a memory game - feed the monkey. The user is looking for bananas in boxes."He said the children would be required to play for about 15 minutes each day for four weeks. Dr Johnstone, who has been researching the brain activities of children with ADHD for 14 years, hopes the study will help children improve their attention, memory and impulse control skills. Parents who want to include their child in the project can call Dr Johnstone on 4221 4495.
Dr Stuart Johnstone, with his daughter Emma, is leading the study. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
A study at the University of Wollongong has revealed some computer games may improve children's behaviour.Software developed by researchers from the university's School of Psychology has been shown in a pilot study to be beneficial in altering the behaviour of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Now researchers are looking for more children, aged between seven and 14, to take part in an extension of the project. It will include children with no attention problems whose abilities may be enhanced by taking part in the games.Study leader Dr Stuart Johnstone said the games used a reward system to constantly push participants to improve."They do enjoy it and there's a reward system in place," he said. "They go up levels and accumulate points and work towards a goal."There are two games," he said. "One is focusing on controlling impulses, so we'll throw a bunch of images in front of them - for example, fish - and every time they see a picture of a fish they press a button. "Anything that's not a fish, they don't push the button."It develops their ability to control impulses. Do I press the button? So it's putting a decision-making process in place."The second is a memory game - feed the monkey. The user is looking for bananas in boxes."He said the children would be required to play for about 15 minutes each day for four weeks. Dr Johnstone, who has been researching the brain activities of children with ADHD for 14 years, hopes the study will help children improve their attention, memory and impulse control skills. Parents who want to include their child in the project can call Dr Johnstone on 4221 4495.
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