Is there a prototype for the concept of game? : A comparative study of informant reactions in Minnesota and Sweden

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate if there exists a prototypical example of the notion game in two cultures, Sweden and Minnesota, USA, and in that case, if it is the same or if possible similarities are greater within generations, regardless of nationality. A questionnaire asking informants to name, in their eyes, typical games was sent to 48 Americans and 53 Swedes. The informants from each country were divided into age groups. The answers were analyzed and compared in different ways. Five out of six groups showed a great similarity in mentioning the game Monopoly as a typical game. Differences were also found. For example, sports were brought up to a higher degree in Minnesota than in Sweden, and the young groups differed from the other groups in the way that many respondents mentioned Computer games and Video games.