Paying for loot boxes is linked to problem gambling, regardless of specific features like cash-out and pay-to-win, Computers in Human Behavior, January 2020

Authors David Zendle, Paul Cairns, Herbie Barnett, Cade McCall Publication Computers in Human Behavior, January 2020 Abstract “Loot boxes are items in video games that may be bought with real-world money but contain randomised contents. Due to similarities between loot boxes and gambling, various countries are considering regulating them to reduce gambling-related harm. However, loot boxes are extremely diverse. A …

What helps children learn difficult tasks: A teacher’s presence may be worth more than a screen, Trends in Neuroscience and Education, December 2019

Authors Katarzyna Kostyrka-Allchorne, Amanda Holland, Nicholas R. Cooper, Woakil Ahamed, Rachel K. Marrow, Andrew Simpson Publication Trends in Neuroscience & Education, December 2019 Aims What helps children learn: is it a presence of a live teacher or an interaction with the learning materials? Addressing this question, we manipulated a teacher’s presence (on-screen vs. present) and activity (observing vs. doing) while …

Children’s perceptions of the moral worth of live agents, robots, and inanimate objects, Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, November 2019

Authors Kristyn Sommer, Mark Nielsen, Madeline Draheim, Jonathan Redshaw, Eric J. Vanman, Matti Wilks Publication Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, November 2019 Abstract This study examined children’s moral concern for robots relative to living and nonliving entities. Children (4–10 years of age, N = 126) watched videos of six different entities having a box placed over them that was subsequently struck by a …

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep, October, 2019

PREAMBLE These guidelines are relevant to apparently healthy children and youth (aged 5–17 years) irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, or the socio-economic status of the family. Children and youth are encouraged to live an active lifestyle with a daily balance of sleep, sedentary behaviours, and physical activities that supports their healthy development. Children and youth should practice healthy sleep hygiene …

Reach for your cell phone at your own risk: The cognitive costs of media choice for breaks, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, August 2019

Authors Kang, S., Kurtzberg, TR. Publication Journal of Behavioral Addictions, August 2019 Abstract INTRODUCTION: Since there is steady increase in cell phone addiction, the act of reaching for a phone between tasks, or even mid-task, is becoming more commonplace, without a true understanding about the potential cognitive costs of taking a break in this way as opposed to taking a …