Get in the Zone: The Psychology of Video Game Design

The author most likely wrote this selection to explain —

• the process of video game development

• challenges people face when playing video games

• why video games are so popular

Answer explanation

The author likely wrote this selection to explain why video games are so popular, as it focuses on the appeal and enjoyment they bring to players, rather than the development process or challenges faced while playing.

Which two phrases from paragraph 4 help the reader understand the meaning of the word effortless?

• A. easy to complete

• B. a flow state

• C. performance is automatic

• D. wholly focused

Answer explanation

The phrases 'easy to complete' and 'performance is automatic' both convey the idea of something being done without difficulty, which aligns with the meaning of 'effortless'. These choices clearly illustrate the concept.

Read this sentence from paragraph 11: 'Fighting the dragon should be fun, but we need a reason to keep trying too.' What is another correct way to write this sentence?

• Fighting the dragon should be fun, we need a reason to keep trying too.

• Fighting the dragon should be fun; we need a reason to keep trying too.

• Fighting the dragon should be fun because we need a reason to keep trying too.

Answer explanation

The correct choice uses a semicolon to connect two related independent clauses, making it grammatically correct. The other options either lack proper punctuation or change the meaning of the original sentence.

The author includes the section subheading “Challenge” to show —

• why people try to complete tasks in a video game as quickly as possible

• why people try to complete tasks in a video game as quickly as possible

• why people purchase so many different types of video games

• why video games increase in difficulty as players become more skilled

Answer explanation

The section subheading "Challenge" indicates that as players improve, video games become more difficult, providing a sense of progression and engagement, which aligns with the correct answer.

What tone does the author create by comparing our brains to backpacks in paragraph 6?

• Conversational

• Humorous

• Encouraging

• Curious

Answer explanation

The author uses the backpack comparison to create a conversational tone, making complex ideas relatable and accessible. This informal approach invites readers to engage with the content in a friendly manner.

Which phrase from paragraph 8 helps the reader understand the meaning of the word focus?

• games we love

• games we love

• just the right level

• direct our concentration

Answer explanation

The phrase 'direct our concentration' clearly defines 'focus' as it indicates the act of concentrating attention on something, making it the best choice to understand the meaning of the word.

Based on the cause-and-effect structure used by the author, what can the reader predict will be discussed next in this paragraph?

• What happens when we try focusing on several things at once

• Why there are no effective ways to focus on things

• The reasons people have difficulty maintaining focus

Answer explanation

The cause-and-effect structure suggests a focus on outcomes. Therefore, the next discussion will likely explore the consequences of trying to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously, making the first choice the most fitting.

Which two of the following help the reader predict what the section “Reward” will be about?

• The author’s tone toward the ways that games affect players

• The discussion of brain activity in the previous sections

• The sudden shift in the author’s perspective

• The subheading for the section

Answer explanation

The discussion of brain activity in previous sections provides context for understanding the effects of games, while the subheading clearly indicates the focus on 'Reward', guiding the reader's expectations for the section.

The author includes the detail about micro-rewards in paragraph 13 to explain —

• A) how focus helps to create flow for gamers

• B) how rewards for small tasks lead to accomplishing big goals

• C) how the brain produces the chemical dopamine

Answer explanation

The detail about micro-rewards illustrates how completing small tasks can motivate individuals, leading to the achievement of larger goals. This aligns with choice B, emphasizing the cumulative effect of small rewards.

How does the author explain the concept of “flow”?

• By describing it as a state of complete immersion and focus in an activity.

• By comparing it to a state of confusion and distraction.

• By explaining it as a feeling of boredom and disinterest.

• By relating it to a sense of anxiety and stress.

Answer explanation

The author explains "flow" as a state of complete immersion and focus in an activity, highlighting the positive engagement and concentration that characterizes this experience, making it distinct from confusion or boredom.