Design and Development of a Computer Game for Time Reproduction Training: A Pilot Study

Novel findings in neuroscience have suggested that individuals may strive to train their brains to improve their cognitive abilities including working memory and attention. On other hand, according to the Attentional Gate Model (AGM), our perception of time roots in cognitive processes such as attention, working memory.
Taking the above into consideration, in order to improve such cognitive processes, a time reproduction training tool in the form of game was designed and developed. The purpose of this study was to primarily examine the effect of our designed game on time reproduction performance. To this end, in the framework of single subject (A-B) design, 4 subjects (6-12 years old) were enrolled. Subjects’ performance in time reproduction task was measured during four phases including baseline, during training, immediately after the training as a post-test and 30 days following post-test as a follow– up. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) and (PND) were calculated in all subjects.
Despite the intervention effect for some subjects, overall results suggest a large variability. Furthermore, performance in reproduction task and performance in training sessions were compared to examine whether improvement on training transferred to performance.
We argue that variability in effect transmission might refer to differences in the nature of training and assessment tools. This was a pilot study to test the impact of time perception training by means of a game training and continued research is required to conclude on such an effect.