Game Motivation and Cognitive Ability among Senior High School Students: A Correlational Analysis

Abstract

In recent years, the immense popularity of video games among adolescents has sparked research interest in why people play and how gaming may impact cognitive abilities. Cognitive ability refers to the mental skills and capabilities involved in learning, understanding, reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and other aspects of thinking. Game motivation refers to the underlying reasons that drive a person to play. It varies significantly based on different motives, including achievement, social interaction, and immersion. This study aims to examine the relationship between Game Motivation and Cognitive Ability among Senior High School students. Understanding this relationship informs educators and policymakers on how best to integrate games into the classroom environment and apply game-based strategies to enhance learning and cognitive development. A correlational research design was employed, and the study was conducted at Marber National High School, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, between October 2024 and December 2024. The study adopted a stratified random sampling method to ensure the representation from different groups within the population. Data were collected from 228 Senior High School students through an online survey. Game Motivation was assessed based on Intrinsic and Extrinsic factors, while Cognitive Ability was evaluated in terms of Attention, Memory, and Problem-Solving Skills. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine relationships between the variables, with significance set at 0.05. The results revealed a weak positive correlation between Game Motivation and Cognitive Ability (R = 0.123, p = 0.066). Among the motivational factors, External Regulation emerged as the most prominent, with a mean score of 3.53 (SD = 1.162), while Attention and Concentration were identified as the strongest cognitive abilities, with a mean score of 3.95 (SD = 0.987). Overall, the impact of Game Motivation on Cognitive Ability was minimal. Although the weak correlation suggests a limited influence of Game Motivation on Cognitive Ability, the potential for video games to contribute to cognitive development remains significant when thoughtfully applied. By analyzing the levels of game motivation and cognitive ability, as well as their correlation, the study provided insights into whether gaming habits contribute to cognitive development. It is recommended to foster Intrinsic Motivations, such as Enjoyment and Self-Improvement, to enhance the cognitive benefits of gaming. Investigating specific game genres and their impact on different cognitive functions, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, and memory recall, could provide deeper insights. Further research is needed to explore the long-term implications of these findings.