FINAL PROJECT: Abstract and Reader's Reponse > Blood and Gore and Games, Oh My!

Abstract: Video game research has been a hot topic in recent news. We have people in governmental positions say that video games can play a role in some of the violence we observe today. This is a huge issue because millions of people in the world play video games. The gaming industry is huge and more and more kids are looking to play video games for their everyday entertainment. Since video games have become so popular, more psychologists are interested in the effects video games have on human behavior. Some researchers argue that video games can make people violent. What is the big picture surrounding this issue? We looked at numerous studies conducted on this issue and we realize that it’s very hard to prove that video games cause violence. Many of these studies do not control for external or confounding variables that are ever present in these studies. That being said, based on the results, we also can’t say that there isn’t a correlation. This paper dives into the hot topics that surround video games. Addressed will also be the issue of age surrounding games, playing time, opportunity cost and a general recommendation for the parents of kids that play games or want to play games.

WC: 206

Readers Profile: I imagine many parents that are very controlling and already have preconceived notions of video games would be a problematic audience for this paper.

Readers Response: I see that the research isn't conclusive on the idea that video games cause violence but I have seen it in some of the behaviors with some of my kids and their parents. For that reason, I don't want to let my kids play video games anyway. Also, I have heard that a lot of the shooters in recent history have been avid gamers. I don't really want my kid involved with these games if they even play a little bit a role in the behavior of some of these people.
December 9, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterJoseph Barnet
J -- need to see the names of the researchers by now....good plan but where are your specifics!

Section heads? Write them down to help propel your thinking and writing forward.
December 10, 2015 | Registered CommenterMarybeth Shea