Alex Largin

Peggy Lopata
English 1010

Annotated Bibliography
Article 1:
Iowa State University. "Video game effects on kids: Not all black and white, expert argues."
ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 May 2011.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110510101504.htm>.
Summary: Many people see that video games are either good or bad for the person
playing them, but in reality, there is a grey area consisting of five dimensions in video games.
This effect can either be positive or negative or even both at the same time. This theory was
given by Douglas Gentile who wanted to study the effects of video games by incorporating the
amount of time that people played. He later realized that time didnt really matter when it came
to the effects. Gentile realized that outside factors of playing video games, such as who they are
playing them with, and how they are already performing in school, really determine the effects of
video games on people. By thinking outside of the box, Gentile realized that the effects of video
games on people are determined by what is currently happening in their life by using many
studies on a large group of people.
Reflection: Since my IEP is on the positive effects of video games and why they should
be promoted, this article showed me that it isnt really video games that are causing negative
outcomes in the lives of the users. The negative outcomes are really occurring because of
negative events happening in the lives of the people who play them. This shows me that it isnt
the video game that has negative effects and this source is trustworthy because Gentile has used
scientific studies to prove what he believes.
Article 2:
Guarini, Drew. "9 Ways Video Games Can Actually Be Good For You." The Huffington Post.
The Huffington Post, 07 Nov 2013. Web. 7 Apr 2014.
Summary: Drew Guarini shows nine ways how video games can be good for people. In
this article, each of the nine ways are stated, then backed up by showing an experiment that was
given with positive results. This article shows that there are mental improvements in critical
thinking and intelligence and also physical improvements in eye sight and the faster recovery of
stroke victims. Video games can also help improve disorders such as dyslexia and depression.
Overall, there are many great benefits that are obtained from playing video games.
Reflection: My paper will be on the positive effects of video games and this source will
be great because it gives specific benefits with proven studies. An effective argument is one that
is backed up and this will definitely reinforce my argument and thesis statement. In my IEP,
using this source will help persuade readers to agree that video games are good for you because
of the specific examples given with strong evidence from scientific studies.
Article 3:
Anthes, Emily. "How Video Games are Good for the Brain." Boston.com. Globe Correspondent,
12 Oct 2009. Web. 7 Apr 2014.
Summary: Emily Anthes begins her article by showing us that the first studies given
about effects of video games on the users all turned out negative, but then it shows that all the
newer studies given go more in-depth in the experiment and the outcome is positive results. It
shows how President Obama has told America to put away video games because of the negative
effects that video games had thought to create, but with evidence such as MRIs, what should
America really do? Positive results on kids in school such as critical thinking and planning have
increased on those who were tested due to video games being played every day for two months.
Positive mental effects are created with higher activity seen in the brain in areas such as the right
hippocampus and cerebellum. We are shown by Anthes that the effects of video games on the
brain are great for us.
Reflection: This article really reinforces my argument for me IEP because it shows both
sides of the story. This shows that results of negative effects have occurred but even more in-
depth research shows that effects turn out to be good positive effects. I can use this article for
building up and reinforcing my IEP stance by showing the myths and rumors of negative effects
that video games thought to have caused.