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Original Article
Computer game play as an imaginary stage for reading: implicit spatial effects of computer games embedded in hard copy books
Article first published online: 19 APR 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9817.2010.01447.x
Copyright © 2010 UKLA
Additional Information
How to Cite
Smith, G. G. (2012), Computer game play as an imaginary stage for reading: implicit spatial effects of computer games embedded in hard copy books. Journal of Research in Reading, 35: 1–19. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9817.2010.01447.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 19 APR 2010
- Article first published online: 19 APR 2010
- Manuscript Revised: 9 FEB 2010
- Manuscript Received: 14 JAN 2010
Funded by
- College of Education at the University of South Florida
- LeapFrog, Inc.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
This study compared books with embedded computer games (via pentop computers with microdot paper and audio feedback) with regular books with maps, in terms of fifth graders' comprehension and retention of spatial details from stories. One group read a story in hard copy with embedded computer games, the other group read it in regular book format with a map. Students received no reading directions, or notification of upcoming post-tests. Dependent measures included a post-test of spatial questions about the story. Some questions addressed story items in both text and games. Other questions addressed spatial items in the text, but not in games. Participants who read books with embedded games scored significantly higher on all the post-test questions, including spatial questions not addressed in games. This suggests that game play helped readers to create a mental model of the story setting, used in subsequent reading to visualise spatial propositions.