• Project
  • Completed

Executive function improvement with modern board games in children at risk of social exclusion

Jorge Moya-Higueras - Lecturer in Neuropsychology

Jorge Moya-Higueras Lecturer in Neuropsychology

Jorge Moya-Higueras is a Doctor of Neuropsychology. He is a Lecturer at the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology at the University of Lleida, and Principal Investigator in NeuroPGA (Neuropsychology, Genes and Environment) research team. 

  • Project start date :
    2020/11/02
  • Status :
    Completed
  • Research organization :
    University of Lleida, NeuroPGA research team, Afim21, Redes Cooperativa, Prosec
  • Team :
    Dr Veronica Estrada-Plana, Jaume March-Llanes, Nuria Guzman-Sanjaume and Carlos Enjuanes (University of Lleida), Sara Arias-Mateo (Redes Cooperativa), Núria Guzmán-Sanjaume (Afim21) and Carlos Enjuanes (Prosec)

Dr. Jorge Moya-Higueras’ research project was selected in 2020 to explore the effectiveness of modern board games in enhancing executive functions in children at risk of social exclusion. This project provides new insights into the cognitive influence of recent commercial games on young audiences.

Project overview

Executive functions (mental functions used to adapt to a new situation) are essential processes for children’s development, especially for children at risk of social exclusion. The main objective of this research project is to explore the extent to which an intervention based on modern board games can improve executive functions in affected children aged eight to twelve years. In particular, the researchers examine whether playing board games that appear to mobilize executive functions are more effective than games that do not. Three associations having experience with children at risk of social exclusion implemented and monitored the game intervention. 

Executive function improvement with modern board games in children at risk of social exclusion

Methodology

Children at risk of social exclusion play modern board games that appear to mobilize executive functions either strongly or weakly twice a week for a period of six weeks. A pre/post-test approach is used to evaluate and compare the children’s executive performance (updating, inhibition and flexibility) and attention span before and after the intervention. 

Outcomes

Regardless of whether the children played games that seem to mobilize executive functions strongly or weakly, all have better inhibition, flexibility and sustained attention after the intervention. The researchers state that this result can be explained because all board games actually mobilize basic executive functions. 

Actualités et publications

Discover more projects supported by Game in Lab

    • Project
    • Underway


    The emergence of “modern” board games in France (1950-2000): An analysis of the editorial offering

    In 2023, Game in Lab selected Prof. Vincent Berry’s research project to document the editorial offering of board games in France from 1950 to 2000. The aim is to study the evolution of the production and publication logic of so-called “modern” board games by analyzing thousands of games on the French market over five decades, in order to help promote board games as a cultural object.
    • Project
    • Underway


    Playing in the Amazon: a strategy to develop scientific literacy with youth

    In 2023, Game in Lab selected Clever Gustavo de Carvalho Pinto’s project to assess the potential of modern board games and game design activities to develop the scientific culture and critical thinking of high school students in Amazonia. This project aims to develop popular and mediated access to scientific education in a population that may be deprived of it, while identifying possible connections between a scientific culture and a game culture.
    • Project
    • Underway


    Improving older adults' cognitive abilities, motivation, and well-being via learning new board games

    In 2023, Game in Lab selected Dr Rachel Wu’s project to determine whether playing familiar board games and learning new ones improves cognitive abilities, motivation and well-being in elderly adults. Her research specifically addresses a population from working classes, an innovative and important focus in the study of cognitive aging.