Options
Motivation of problematic gamers: an exploratory study
Author
Kwok, Nikole Wing Ka
Supervisor
Khoo, Angeline
Abstract
This dissertation explores the factors that contribute to Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) players developing Problematic gaming. It examines motivations based on the Self Determination Theory (SDT), player orientation, as well as passion. A total of 128 gamers from the World of Warcraft participated in the online survey consisting 96 questions, which includes measures such as the Pathological computer usage questionnaire, Passion scale, Perceived locus of causality scale, the Player orientation scale and questions on player demographics. Analyses involving correlation, regression and analyses of variance were conducted.
Results of this dissertation showed that achievement and immersion orientation are correlated with all types of extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation, while social orientation is only correlated with identified regulation and intrinsic motivation. Problematic gaming is also correlated with all types of extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, achievement and immersion orientation as well as obsessive passion. Obsessive passion is correlated with all types of extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, and all three player orientation. Harmonious passion is correlated with intrinsic motivation, introjected and identified regulation, as well as all three player orientations.
The results also showed that problematic gaming is not correlated with harmonious passion and social orientation. Harmonious passion is not correlated with external regulation. In line with SDT, external regulation is not correlated with intrinsic regulation. External regulation and introjected reglations are both not correlated to social orientation. In line with Yee‟s player orientation, achievement orientation is not correlated with social orientation.
Predictors of problematic gaming were shown to be achievement orientation and introjected regulation. Identified regulation is a negative predictor of problematic gaming. Obsessive passion is predicted by external and introjected regulations. Harmonious passion is predicted by intrinsic motivation, social orientation and identified regulation. Findings also show that those with lower educational levels tend to have higher problematic gaming scores compared to those with higher educational levels, and younger gamers are more likely to be achievement orientated compared to older gamers.
The findings from this dissertation may add value to existing cyber-wellness intervention programmes and help to further develop new counseling techniques to address problematic gaming in the Singapore community. This study also helps to raise awareness of the nature of problematic gaming and provide insights to some factors behind why MMORPG gamers spend endless hours in front of the computer terminal. Further studies involving longitudinal and qualitative methods focusing on gamers‟ motivations could potentially complement the findings of this study and provide further insights which could help to develop more effective prevention programmes to help problematic gamers.
Results of this dissertation showed that achievement and immersion orientation are correlated with all types of extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation, while social orientation is only correlated with identified regulation and intrinsic motivation. Problematic gaming is also correlated with all types of extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, achievement and immersion orientation as well as obsessive passion. Obsessive passion is correlated with all types of extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, and all three player orientation. Harmonious passion is correlated with intrinsic motivation, introjected and identified regulation, as well as all three player orientations.
The results also showed that problematic gaming is not correlated with harmonious passion and social orientation. Harmonious passion is not correlated with external regulation. In line with SDT, external regulation is not correlated with intrinsic regulation. External regulation and introjected reglations are both not correlated to social orientation. In line with Yee‟s player orientation, achievement orientation is not correlated with social orientation.
Predictors of problematic gaming were shown to be achievement orientation and introjected regulation. Identified regulation is a negative predictor of problematic gaming. Obsessive passion is predicted by external and introjected regulations. Harmonious passion is predicted by intrinsic motivation, social orientation and identified regulation. Findings also show that those with lower educational levels tend to have higher problematic gaming scores compared to those with higher educational levels, and younger gamers are more likely to be achievement orientated compared to older gamers.
The findings from this dissertation may add value to existing cyber-wellness intervention programmes and help to further develop new counseling techniques to address problematic gaming in the Singapore community. This study also helps to raise awareness of the nature of problematic gaming and provide insights to some factors behind why MMORPG gamers spend endless hours in front of the computer terminal. Further studies involving longitudinal and qualitative methods focusing on gamers‟ motivations could potentially complement the findings of this study and provide further insights which could help to develop more effective prevention programmes to help problematic gamers.
Date Issued
2010
Call Number
GV1469.17.S63 Kwo
Date Submitted
2010