Effects of Visualization Training on Target-Shooting Performance in an Online Game

Abstract

Background and Aims: Robert McKim, a professor of rapid visualization at Stanford University in the United States, wrote an article titled "Methods of Training and Visualization," emphasizing three interconnected aspects: 1. Seeing, 2. Imagination, and 3. Drawing. He states that many people do not always perceive everything clearly; some parts are missing or blurred (Prosofthcm, 2023). This study therefore aims to investigate the effect of visualization training on responses to stimuli in online games and to compare the effect of visualization training on target shooting in online games before and after training.

Methodology: The population for this study consisted of players competing in the VALORANT Community Tournament TH 2026, comprising 473 teams. The specific study population was drawn from teams eliminated in the first round of the 512-team bracket, totaling approximately 1,180 individuals. Based on the calculation criteria established by Boonchom Srisa-ard (2017), a sample of 40 players was selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Male players were designated as the first-stage sampling unit, followed by a second-stage selection of players aged 17–26. The selected sample underwent a four-week training program, with sessions held three days a week-Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays-from 19:00 to 19:35. The training involved shooting at targets within the game VALORANT; a total of 30 targets were used, each appearing and immediately disappearing if missed. The difficulty level was set to "General." Training was conducted using the "Train Your Brain" application (available on the Play Store or App Store) and the "Aim Lab" application. This study employed a quantitative research methodology, having a sample group participate in a visualization training program for four weeks, three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) from 7:00 PM to 7:35 PM. Data were analyzed by calculating the mean and standard deviation of the number of targets hit by the sample group before and after the training. The difference in the mean number of targets hit within the sample group before and after the training was compared using a dependent t-test.

Results: The target shooting test results for the sample group before training (number of targets) had a mean of 22.98 and a standard deviation of 0.64. The number of targets hit after training had a mean of 28.58 and a standard deviation of 0.15, respectively. The comparison of the mean difference in the number of targets hit within the sample group before and after training showed a statistically significant difference at the .05 level.

Conclusion: After training, the sample group achieved a higher number of hits compared to before training.