Study: Playing WoW makes you a better surgeon
Aug 18th, 2008
The American Psychological Association has released a study of surgeons (why they chose surgeons to study, who knows) that says surgeons who play World of Warcraft and other video games can make them a better surgeon overall. Not only does controlling a game character give you better motor skills, but playing an involved and complicated game can, not surprisingly, can make you a better analytical thinker and problem solver. Surgeons who played videogames (though they don't mention how much or how often) were faster at advanced surgical procedures and make fewer errors than surgeons who didn't.So does this mean that playing videogames can replace education entirely? Not so fast, back to schoolers -- apparently playing games also makes things not so complicated seem not so interesting. While leading a pickup group in Karazhan will definitely help your problem solving abilities (though probably not your stress levels), it will make it harder for you to do things like settle down and study a book. As with everything, moderation is the key.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
8-18-2008 @ 7:10PM
Angelus said...
Thank you for justifying my insane addiction.
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 7:14PM
Saiforune said...
"As with everything, moderation is the key."
Reply
8-19-2008 @ 1:22PM
Ikarus said...
All things in Moderation, including moderation
8-18-2008 @ 7:14PM
Saiforune said...
"As with everything, moderation is the key."
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 7:16PM
Eternalpayn said...
Score 1 for Videogames! TV, still at 0.
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 7:23PM
Vager said...
Moving your fingers makes you a better surgeon apparently.
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 7:29PM
Asami said...
That's what she said.
8-18-2008 @ 7:32PM
Emberhorn said...
The study focused on performance of surgeons during laparoscopic surgery. This is a special type of surgery performed by means of long, slender surgical instruments passed through small incisions in the body. The surgeon manipulates the instrument handles outside the body and monitors the "business end" of the instuments inside the body by means of a nearby television hooked up to a fiber optic camera. Proficiency in this technique requires the surgeon to be able to view the surgical field (and his/her instuments) from strange angles and make precise movements. Its not surprising that the spatial skills you gain from years of playing video games would give you an edge.
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 7:36PM
CursedSeishi said...
Darn, and here I thought I could go to college, learn a little doctoring, then when I apply for a job in the ER field, I could list my education AND how much I play games...
8-18-2008 @ 7:39PM
Zep said...
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 7:40PM
Zep said...
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
And broccoli causes cancer, too.
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 7:48PM
Xeren said...
um, how is it so hard to believe that one activity that requires good motor skills helps with another activity that requires good motor skills?
L2correlate
8-18-2008 @ 8:09PM
perseus said...
Just remember that surgeons have to study too, you addicts!!
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 8:13PM
Sallix said...
http://www.wowhead.com/?item=24393
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 8:18PM
Graham said...
Well of course it does! That makes total sense.
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 8:54PM
Fauche said...
Said the same thing about Monkey Ball a few years ago. Exactly the same.
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 9:14PM
ScorchHellfire said...
i had my spleen removed by laproscopic surgery almost a year ago... i doubt my doctor plays video games tho as he was probably in his late 50s... oh well...
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 9:17PM
Shinken said...
Surgeons play rogues CHOP CHOP CHOP!
Reply
8-18-2008 @ 9:42PM
Zumacrume said...
doesn't the APA have better things to do studies on? Next "APA study shows people who need motor skills are more proficient when they use motor skills"
8-18-2008 @ 10:28PM
robotsintheskies said...
"Doctor, he's flatlining!"
"No worries, my battle rez is almost off cool down."
Reply