Intro:
In order to further refine my intervention design, I decided to validate my idea by utilizing the following main research strategies. I have already utilized a questionnaire survey with children (age 8-15) and their parents (25-60) in order to obtain the social preferences and gaming habits of underage mobile gamers, as well as the parents’ attitudes towards their children’s gaming. After obtaining the research data, I will incorporate systematic literature analysis to refine my conclusions from the data. Lastly I will conduct one-on-one interviews with experts in the industry to refine my proposal and establish its feasibility.
To better understand my main stakeholders (children age 8-15)’s gaming preferences and habits, I decided to construct an online interview. The interview consists 8 questions about young user’s gaming habits, and 3 additional ones for their guardians. The survey have to be done cooperatively with kids and their guardians after they sign the consent form. (or in this case, after they done the survey, the form has been sent to the group chat and still collecting signature and consent from participants)
The questionaries were sent out in forms of to WeChat parental school groups with 300+ active members. By Oct 1st, participant number were 53 in total, including kids from 3th grade to 10th grade (age 8-15), and their parents or guardians. (Age 25-60)
- How old are you (Please state only young participants’ age) A. 8-10 B. 10-12 C. 12-15
- Do you play mobile or PC video games? A. Mobile B. PC
- What’s your favorite game type? A. Moba (王者荣耀，英雄联盟) B. Battle Royale (Fortnite,刺激战场 ) C.Social indie adventure game (光遇，动物森友会)
- On average, how many hours would you spend on video games per week? (Estimate) A. 1-2 Hours B. 2-4 Hours C. 4-6 Hours D. Over 8 Hours
- Do you usually play with your friends or by yourself? A. Usually with Friends B. More by myself
- If you have the opportunity to choose from the following for your coming weekend, which would it be? A. Playing video game at home B. See an exhibition C. Traveling with your family D.Hang out with Friends
- Have you had conflicts with your parents or guardians because of playing video games? A. Yes B.No
- Do you think mobile games helped you to make new friends, or strengthen your bound with your friends? A. Yes B. No
*****The following questions are for parents and guardians:*****
- How old are you? A. 25-30 B. 30-40 C. 40-50 D.50-60
- Do you play or have you tried play mobile video games? A. Yes B. No
- Do you believe mobile games can have positive effects on children if guided properly? A. Yes B. No
I then analyzed the responses and visualized them into piecharts, please see the below charts and notes for my findings and insights from both the original information I got and from literature reviews.
Bibliography and sources:
-Barnardo’s. (2023) ‘Why young people like online gaming’, Barnardo’s. Available at: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/online-safety/why-young-people-like-online-gaming
-Columb, D., Hussain, R., O’Gara, C., & Foody, M. (2019). ‘Problematic smartphone use: An exploration of attitudes amongst Irish clinical psychologists.’ Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 36(3), 191–198.
-Frontiers (2021). ‘Mobile Gaming: Positive Effects on Mental Health?’https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.634947/full
-CBR. (2020) ‘Why Video Games Are Better Than Social Media for Connecting’ Available at: https://www.cbr.com/video-games-better-social-media-connecting/
-Robinson, L., Smith, M., Segal, J., & Shubin, J. (2023) ‘The Benefits of Play for Adults’, HelpGuide.org.
Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm