Biomedical subjects

Richard T A Wood

Publications and source records attributed to Richard T A Wood.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Adolescent lottery and scratchcard players: do their attitudes influence their gambling behaviour?

This paper examines the link between attitudes and behaviour in relation to adolescent participation on the National Lottery and scratchcards by applying the theory of planned behaviour. A questionnaire constructed by the authors was administered to a sample of 1195 adolescents between the ages of 11 and 15 years (550 male, 641 female, 4 unspecified). In this paper, all data relating to factors associated with adolescent attitudes toward the National Lottery and scratchcards, and the links with any subsequent gambling behaviour, were analysed. Results revealed that young people's attitudes are an accurate predictor of their gambling behaviour on these activities, and that social cognitive theory provides an explanation of how these attitudes may develop. In light of these findings, a number of suggestions are given on how to discourage young people from gambling.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The structural characteristics of video games: a psycho-structural analysis.

There is little doubt that video game playing is a psychological and social phenomenon. This paper outlines the main structural characteristics of video game playing (i.e., those characteristics that either induce gaming in the first place or are inducements to continue gaming irrespective of the individual's psychological, physiological, or socio-economic status). This online study is the first ever to assess what structural characteristics (if any) are important to a group of self-selected video game players (n = 382). The main variables examined were sound, graphics, background and setting, duration of game, rate of play, advancement rate, use of humor, control options, game dynamics, winning and losing features, character development, brand assurance, and multi-player features. Although there were many major gender differences, one of the main overall findings was the importance of a high degree of realism (i.e., realistic sound, graphics, and setting). Other important characteristics included a rapid absorption rate, character development, the ability to customize the game, and multiplayer features. Suggestions for future research are outlined.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Online data collection from video game players: methodological issues.

The paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet to collect data concerning both online and offline gamers. Drawing from experience of a number of studies carried out online by the authors and by reviewing the available literature, the authors discuss the main issues concerning data collected from video game players. The paper examines a number of areas, including recruiting and utilizing participants, validity, suitable methods of data collection (i.e., questionnaire studies, online tests, participant observation, online interviews), and ethical issues. It is concluded that online research methods can be a useful way of examining the psychosocial aspects of video game playing.

Data Collection↗

PubMed2002

Adolescent accounts of the UK National Lottery and scratchcards: an analysis using Q-sorts.

The study examined adolescents' accounts of the UK National Lottery and scratchcards. Q-sorts were used to examine the views of 62 participants aged between 11 and 15 years of age. Findings identified four distinct accounts in relation to the National Lottery (Moral Opposition, Luck Seeking, Rationalist, & Uncertainty), and four distinct accounts in relation to scratchcards (Scepticism, Thrill-Seeking, Rationalist, & Libertarian). Some of the accounts identified described the UK National Lottery and scratchcards as bona fide forms of gambling. Reports indicated that adolescents were pessimistic about the chances of winning large sums of money, while other accounts demonstrated gambling misperceptions particularly in relation to their belief in luck and the laws of probability. It is argued that to fully understand why adolescents take part in these activities it is important to consider the diverse ways that adolescents represent these activities. These differing representations will have consequences for measures aimed at reducing, preventing, or treating adolescent problem gambling. The utility of Q-sorts as a technique for examining the views of problem and non-problem gamblers is also discussed.

Adolescent↗