Effect of Computer Games on the Social Intelligence and Academic Self-Efficacy of Gifted Male Adolescents Studying In the Junior High Schools

The present research purpose is to carry out an investigation into the effect of computer games on the social intelligence and academic self-efficacy of gifted male adolescents studying in the junior high schools of Zahedan City. The research employed a semi-experimental method using pre-test, post-test and control group design. The statistical population of this study included all the gifted male adolescents studying in the junior high schools of Zahedan City, out of which a sample of 60 students was selected through purposive sampling. Students who had scored lower on the computer games were selected and assigned into the experimental and control groups. The data gathering tools included Social intelligence Questionnaire and Academic Self-efficacy Questionnaire which were administered on the students prior to and subsequent to the training. Results indicated no significant between-group difference in terms of social intelligence. Put differently, computer games exerted no effect on the social intelligence of the experimental group. Moreover, findings demonstrated that the experimental and control group showed no significant difference with regard to the academic self-efficacy. It can be concluded that computer games enhance the experimental group’s academic achievement.

computer games, social intelligence, academic self-efficacy, gifted adolescents.