By: Quenna Chaplin 12/2/2010

The Objective The objective of this presentation is to determine what effects of video games have on children. This presentation will look at the pros and cons of video games and children. I will evaluate five different sources to determine what effect of video games have on children.

The effects of video games on children: what parents need to know Authority: Dr. Douglas Gentile-developmental psychologist Accuracy- This information was gained through research conducted by Gentile. Purpose- The purpose of the article is to see the impact of violent video games have on children. The information given is very detailed and includes research and a case study. Currency- This article is dated as of June 2004, but the website was updated this year, Coverage- This article provides a case study and is very detailed. Findings: Playing violent games leads to increased physiological arousal, increased aggressive thoughts, increased aggressive feelings, increased aggressive behaviors, and decreased prosocial helping.

The Impact of Video Games on Children Authority: Andrea Norcia- College Student Writer Accuracy: Norcia sites sources on web page Purpose: The purpose of the article is to see what effects video games have on children Currency: Website does not provide currency of article but the web page has been updated this year, 2010 Coverage: This article provides the rating of video games. Findings: Teens who play violent video games for extended periods of time tend to be more aggressive, are more prone to confrontation with their teachers, may engage in fights with their peers, and there is a decline in school achievements. (Gentile et al, 2004).

Children and Video Games: Playing with Violence Authority: No author for the article given. Accuracy: The information is somewhat credible because there is no author but it does provide helpful tips for parents. Purpose: To gain a sense of what effects video games have on children Currency: This article is dated August 2006 but the website was updated this year, Coverage: This article provides telephone numbers and books for parents to use to help their child who display behavioral problems from playing video games. Findings: While some games have educational content, many of the most popular games emphasize negative themes and promote the killing of people or animals, the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, criminal behavior, disrespect for authority and the law, sexual exploitation and violence toward women, racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes, foul language, obscenities, and obscene gestures.

Effects of Video Games on Aggressive Thoughts and Behaviors During Development Authority: Thomas Kooijmans- Rochester Institute of Technology Accuracy: The author documented all sources Purpose: The effects of video games on children Currency: This article was last modified in December of 2004 Coverage: This article provides a lot of references which tells me that the author gave credit to his sources. Findings: The greatest recent contribution has been Anderson and Bushman's (2002) general aggression model (GAM), which explains both the development of aggression and individual differences in susceptibility to the influence of violent video games. Because of the many biological and physical changes that occur during puberty, exposure to violent games affects the processes that operate within the GAM. In order to control the effects of video game violence, one must first understand the effect it has on the brain, including in the areas of aggression and hostility.

Video Games Affect the Brain—for Better and Worse Authority: Douglass Gentile, PhD Accuracy: This information is free of error and credible. This article contain data. Purpose: What are the effects of video games on children- negatively and positively? Currency: This article was written July 23, 2009 and the website has been updated this year, Coverage: This website offers data that is not found in any of the other articles. Findings: Well-designed video games are natural teachers. They provide immediate feedback on the player’s success by distributing reinforcements and punishments, assist in learning at different rates, and offer opportunities to practice to the point of mastery and then to automaticity.