Sunderland University psychology undergraduate Chris Whitehead has picked up a prize for his research into such games, despite flying in the face of conventional wisdom by claiming they can have a positive effect.

The recent release of Grand Theft Auto IV has reignited the debate over violence in video games, but Chris, in the final year of his BSc degree, says they can improve social skills.

The 22-year-old said: "Games such as Halo, Call of Duty and even Grand Theft Auto have the potential to become a powerful learning tool.

"My research found that these games help develop teamwork, spacial and co-ordination skills."

Chris graduates in the summer and is hoping to find a job as
an occupational psychologist in industry.

His main interest is in how teams can be improved within companies by enhanced communication.

That led to his research into the effects on communities of multiplayer online games in which hundreds or even thousands of players from across the globe can be involved simultaneously.

He said: "Team objective-based games require a lot of communication between players to allow them to complete objectives, and playing such games can definitely improve these skills and potentially help develop leadership styles."

Chris believes online games have the potential to help learning and communication.

He reckons a lot of the controversy surrounding them is down to poor parental understanding of the potential dangers of children playing games aimed at adults.

He added: "A lot of research has shown a link between aggression and video games.

"However, these studies always took children and exposed them to violent video games intended for adults.

"With the release of Grand Theft Auto IV, I'm sure we will see a surge in controversy around the subject.

"But I would argue that the main cause of this link is due to parents ignoring ratings and allowing their children to play games not suitable for them."

Chris's research was chosen as the best final-year psychology project at his university this year.

The aim of the competition is to instill real-world skills, such as presenting findings and researching practical projects, among students preparing to move into the world of work.