Experimental conditions for experiencing flow in computer games

Publication Type  Journal Article
Year of Publication  2006
Authors  Schiefele, U.; Roussakis, E.
Journal Title  Zeitschrift Fur Psychologie
Volume  214
Pagination  207-219
ISBN Number  0044-3409
Accession Number  ISI:000242168200004
Key Words  flow experience; current motivation; achievement motive; computer games; MOTIVATION; ACHIEVEMENT; QUALITY; LEISURE; WORK
Abstract  

The present study replicates an experiment by Rheinberg and Vollmeyer (2003). In accordance with flow theory, these authors were able to show that the experience of flow while playing a computer game depends on the fit between challenge and skill, In our study, 76 university students played the computer game "Roboguard" at a level with optimal fit between challenge and skill and at two levels with low fit (too easy, too difficult). In contrast to Rheinberg and Vollmeyer, the computer game was modified in order to have less extreme easy and difficult play levels. In the case of the difficult level it was now possible for the participants to have at least minimal success, whereas in Rheinberg and Vollmeyer's study the participants were almost unable to act. The results showed the expected effects for the easy and optimal levels but not for the difficult level. In contrast to expectations, the participants indicated high degrees of flow at the difficult level, A possible explanation for this finding is that extremely high demands in a game situation do not reduce the experience of flow under certain conditions. We concluded that games such as Roboguard are not suitable for flow research in general, but only for specific research questions.


0

Free Registration

Registered users have the added benefit of being able to:

  • Search/filter the bibliography to find just the article you are looking for. You can search the computer games research bibliography by author, year, keyword, title or publication type.
  • Export references from the video games bibliography to a format suitable for your own work. Options currently include tagged and XML for Endnote users and BibTex for the rest of the world.
  • Post comments to discuss the paper or alert fellow researchers to other resources.
  • Add their own references using the 'create content' -> 'biblio' option in the block on the left.
  • NEW: Use the Biblio Search box located on the right hand of the page.
  • NEW: Browse by journal title, book title, author or keyword using the new Faceted Search tool.