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Journal Article 1: Przybylski, A. K., Weinstein, N., Murayama, K., Lynch, M. F., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). The ideal self at play: The appeal of video games that let you be all you can be. Psychological Science, 23, 69–76.

Abstract: Video games constitute a popular form of entertainment that allows millions of people to adopt virtual identities. In our research, we explored the idea that the appeal of games is due in part to their ability to provide players with novel experiences that let them “try on” ideal aspects of their selves that might not find expression in everyday life. We found that video games were most intrinsically motivating and had the greatest influence on emotions when players’ experiences of themselves during play were congruent with players’ conceptions of their ideal selves. Additionally, we found that high levels of immersion in gaming environments, as well as large discrepancies between players’ actual-self and ideal-self characteristics, magnified the link between intrinsic motivation and the experience of ideal-self characteristics during play.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is the goal of this study to test an effect or a relationship? Given your answer and the design of the study, what is the appropriate statistical test for this study (see Figure 14.2)?
2. How should the p values compare to alpha for the significant differences? What is the lowest p value that could have been obtained for a non-significant difference (assume alpha = .05)?
3. Given the results reported by the researcher(s), what type of error might be present in the results? Explain your answer.

Journal Article 2: Sussman, A. B., & Shafir, E. (2012). On assets and debt in the psychology of perceived wealth. Psychological Science, 23, 101–108.

Abstract: We studied the perception of wealth as a function of varying levels of assets and debt. We found that with total wealth held constant, people with positive net worth feel and are seen as wealthier when they have lower debt (despite having fewer assets). In contrast, people with equal but negative net worth feel and are considered wealthier when they have greater assets (despite having larger debt). This pattern persists in the perception of both the self and others. We explore consequences for the willingness to borrow and lend and briefly discuss the policy implications of these findings.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is the goal of this study to test an effect or a relationship? Given your answer and the design of the study, what is the appropriate statistical test for this study (see Figure 14.2)?
2. How should the p values compare to alpha for the significant differences? What is the lowest p value that could have been obtained for a non-significant difference (assume alpha = .05)?
3. Given the results reported by the researcher(s), what type of error might be present in the results? Explain your answer.