Looks like fantasy sports are proving to be important for more than just a drain of time and overpriced Jostens rings. Assistant professors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are looking at different leagues to look at how players adapt to strategies and much much more.

Fantasy baseball leagues — and other fantasy sports games — require a great amount of research and learning on the part of participants, the researchers noted.

One initial finding: A woman who knew little about baseball said her participation in a fantasy baseball league has led her to become more of a fan of the game, and she now listens to games on the radio.

This is excellent news, because from now on when you get caught proposing trades at work from now on you can simply say that you are studying the way people learn, which will of course be beneficial to your career and company. Hell, how do you think these two actually got this project off the ground in the first place? Probably got caught debating whether or not to pick up Jack Cust to replace Pat Burrell and the department chair walked in. Even cooler are the possibilities: fantasy baseball for college credit!

• Fantasy Gaming Gives Insight Into Learning (Health Day News)