Realistic Sprites and Sounds: Snake Detection Theory in Video Games
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Megan St. Peters
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Purpose: Snake Detection Theory (Isbell, 2006) theorizes that primate responses to snake stimuli is stronger and faster, regardless of whether the primate associates snakes with fear or danger (Gallup & Meyers, 2021; Kawai & Qiu, 2020; Soares et al., 2014; LoBue & Matthews, 2014; Kawai & He, 2016), and are more likely to notice (Jensen & Caine, 2021) and focus on (Soares, et al., 2014) images of snakes. Even when not cognitively processed, snakes result in increased arousal (Jensen & Caine, 2021), which is consistent with the James-Lange Theory of Emotion.
Whether these changes extend to video game simulations is unknown. In a previous iteration of this study, using cartoon images in the manipulation yielded no differences when controlling for snake phobia; the same methods are applied again to investigate this with images of a real snake and toad. Video gaming is a thriving market - now generating more revenue than movies and music combined (Khan, 2023). Based on theoretical understanding, it is predicted that emotional responses, cognition, and physiology will be differentially affected when fighting a snake as compared to when fighting a non-snake stimulus.
Procedure: Participants played two versions of a video game designed for this study - versions were identical except in one, the participant fights a boss with the image and sounds of a toad, and in the other, a snake. Everything besides the images and sounds of these two were identical. Heart rate variability and blood pressure were measured during game play. After each condition, participants were asked questions to assess memory, emotions, ratings of the game, and overall fear of the toads or snakes. Data collection is complete.
Implications: Examining whether theoretical differences proposed by Snake Detection theory are evidenced in video game playing expands our understanding of this theory and can be used to improve gaming experiences. Further research into snake detection theory could help understand humans’ perceptual biases and how snake phobias develop.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Psychology: Completed Projects
Realistic Sprites and Sounds: Snake Detection Theory in Video Games
Purpose: Snake Detection Theory (Isbell, 2006) theorizes that primate responses to snake stimuli is stronger and faster, regardless of whether the primate associates snakes with fear or danger (Gallup & Meyers, 2021; Kawai & Qiu, 2020; Soares et al., 2014; LoBue & Matthews, 2014; Kawai & He, 2016), and are more likely to notice (Jensen & Caine, 2021) and focus on (Soares, et al., 2014) images of snakes. Even when not cognitively processed, snakes result in increased arousal (Jensen & Caine, 2021), which is consistent with the James-Lange Theory of Emotion.
Whether these changes extend to video game simulations is unknown. In a previous iteration of this study, using cartoon images in the manipulation yielded no differences when controlling for snake phobia; the same methods are applied again to investigate this with images of a real snake and toad. Video gaming is a thriving market - now generating more revenue than movies and music combined (Khan, 2023). Based on theoretical understanding, it is predicted that emotional responses, cognition, and physiology will be differentially affected when fighting a snake as compared to when fighting a non-snake stimulus.
Procedure: Participants played two versions of a video game designed for this study - versions were identical except in one, the participant fights a boss with the image and sounds of a toad, and in the other, a snake. Everything besides the images and sounds of these two were identical. Heart rate variability and blood pressure were measured during game play. After each condition, participants were asked questions to assess memory, emotions, ratings of the game, and overall fear of the toads or snakes. Data collection is complete.
Implications: Examining whether theoretical differences proposed by Snake Detection theory are evidenced in video game playing expands our understanding of this theory and can be used to improve gaming experiences. Further research into snake detection theory could help understand humans’ perceptual biases and how snake phobias develop.