Studies have shown that video game players exhibit superior performance to non-video game players on a number of cognitive tasks. Methods to compare the groups have mainly involved using measures of central tendency such as the mean without examining intra-individual differences in performance. In the present study, top-ranking Tetris players and novice Tetris players completed a reaction time cognitive task. Results show that the top-ranking players exhibit faster reaction times compared to novice players. Beyond the mean RT, we used the ex-Gaussian modeling technique and found differences in variability and attention between the two groups. Future studies can use modeling techniques such as the exGaussian distribution to analyze the whole distribution at an individual level beyond measures of central tendency and further examine the behavioral differences between video game players and non-video game players.

Part-task training is a technique which involves separating the target task into parts and presenting them during training.This approach has been used to train users to perform optimally in dynamic task environments. The present study investi-gated the effects of fractionation, a part-task training approach, versus whole-task training to improve performance in thevideo game Tetris by focusing on an important sub-task element of the game. Seventy-eight young adults were trained onTetris with one of three training regimens: 1) Part-task training with feedback, 2) Part-task training with no feedback, and3) Whole-task training in which participants practiced the whole game to obtain the highest overall score. Results showthat baseline performance influences training gains and feedback may not be helpful for learning. Training gains fromthe different training regimens show that tasks with highly interdependent components may benefit most from whole-tasktraining.