TAMIU Prof Edits Special Edition of Psychological Journal

The American Psychological Association has tapped Texas A&M International University associate professor of psychology, Dr. Christopher J. Ferguson, to edit their special issue on video games released in June.

An expert on the effects of video games on children and adults, Dr. Ferguson also wrote the introduction to the special issue of the Review of General Psychology.

“To date, much of the attention has been negative, focusing on potential harm related to addiction, aggression, and lowered school performance,” states Ferguson in his introduction.

“However, as video games have become more popular, statistics on children in the United Sates and Europe suggest that they are experiencing fewer behavior problems, less violence, and better scores on standardized academic testing,” he adds.

Ferguson has written numerous articles on the effects of video games that have debunked studies claiming video games are harmful.

“Overall, the issue focuses on the positive uses for video games and challenges the notion that games are harmful,” Ferguson summarized.

The articles in the special issue examine issues from the possibility of putting video games to good use, refocusing the discussion of video games away from fears that may have been exaggerated in the past or whether or not they are just games in the end.

For more information contact Ferguson at 326.2636 or cferguson@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall, room 302C.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 8 a.m. – noon, Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu