Professor of psychology and lead researcher Linda Jackson said the research links video game playing and creativity, but it is unclear how strongly the two are linked. Jackson said video game play might lead to increased creativity, or it may be that creative individuals are more inclined to play video games.

Researchers measured creativity by providing subjects with ambiguous stimuli, such as a picture of an elk over a puddle of water, Jackson said. Subjects were then asked questions such as, “What do you think the elk is doing?” The creativity of the subjects was based on the number of responses that were given and how unique the responses were.

Jackson said if the link between video games, and what about them spurs creativity can be found, it could have a positive effect on video game design.

“If we could find out what it is about video games that increase creativity, then we can talk to video game designers and implement them into the design,” she said.

Assistant professor in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media Wei Peng said she was not surprised by research indicating video game play and creativity are linked. Peng, who is a faculty member in MSU’s Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab, said many video games allow players to produce their own narratives and engage in problem solving.

“There are other types of video games that require high-level problem solving skills,” she said. “I think those kinds of games have a positive impact on the players.”

Peng said she feels a lot of research on video gaming focuses on the negative impacts, such as aggressive behavior.

“I think there is a lot to be investigated with regards to the positive impacts of video gaming,” Peng said. “We focus too much on the negative side.”

English senior Matt Mevers plays video games and said he considers himself to be a creative person. He said he sees how video game play and creativity could be linked, but he feels further research needs to be done on the topic.

“Video game players might already be predisposed to creativity,” Mevers said. “I could also see by engaging in video games. It could open more synapses.”

Jackson said this study provides new insight, but more research must be completed to gain conclusive results.

“I think that it shows that we have a lot more research to do if we are to understand the effects of information technology on children’s development,” Jackson said. “It’s not simple. It’s not singular.”