Abstract:
In the past, extensive research has been conducted on immersive platform-based video games. However,
research has not yet examined Flash-based video games that are generally less immersive and
available to a more diverse audience. This study examines the level of aggression by testing stress of
participants after playing one of three video games: Tetris, Tank Blitz, and Highway Pursuit 2. Measures
used to assess stress include an implicit measure of aggression, the Word Completion Task; an
explicit measure of aggression, the Buss-Perry Scale of aggression; and a physiological measure of
aggression, a concentration of cortisol in saliva samples (Anderson et al., 2004; Buss & Perry, 1992).
Participants were administered the Buss-Perry Scale and the Word Completion Task before and after
playing the video game for ten minutes. Saliva samples were collected prior to playing the video
game, immediately after finishing the video game, and 15 minutes after playing the video game, during
which participants completed content-neutral tasks. We also collected the ratings of perceived
game complexity and videogame experience. Preliminary results will be presented.
