Will game-based learning enhance performance?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siew H. Chan ◽  
Qian Song ◽  
Pailin Trongmateerut ◽  
Laurie H. Rivera

Purpose Extending the study of Chan et al. (2016), this paper aims to focus on specific aspects of performance (conceptual and factual knowledge) to provide insight into whether computer game attributes designed into Prrinciples Aren’t That Hard (PATH) improve performance. Design/methodology/approach A between-subjects experiment is conducted to test the hypotheses. The experimental and control groups are PATH and traditional paper medium, respectively. Findings The results reveal that PATH users perform better on the conceptual knowledge questions compared to the traditional paper medium users. No significant difference in performance on the factual knowledge (computational) questions is found between PATH and traditional paper medium users. Research limitations/implications This study demonstrates that PATH creates an engaging learning environment, which facilitates the acquisition of conceptual knowledge and improved (conceptual) performance. Research can investigate whether technology may be used to facilitate automation of computational tasks which downplay the importance of computational skills (factual knowledge) and focus on the design of computer game attributes in educational or training programs to enhance conceptual knowledge and (conceptual) performance. Practical implications The findings of this study will assist educators and educational technology developers to identify and design motivation-enhancing computer game features to promote remember and understand cognitive processes which improve (conceptual) performance. Originality/value Game-based learning serves as the underlying theoretical framework for the design of PATH used in an experimental study to examine the positive effects of motivation-enhancing computer game attributes on remember and understand cognitive processes which facilitate (conceptual) performance. This study also uses separate measures of performance; that is, conceptual and factual knowledge, to provide additional insight into the findings of Chan et al. (2016).

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Shu Wang ◽  
Yu-Chieh Li ◽  
Yeu-Ruey Tzeng

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a game-based learning (GBL) content design model that replicates the two-dimensional Bloom cognitive process in GBL units. The proposed model, called the knowledge and cognitive-process representation (KCR) model, enables a game player to access three types of Bloom knowledge by allowing the learner to experience-related cognitive processes that can be replicated in the GBL units via appropriate representation approaches. Design/methodology/approach – To validate the feasibility of the proposed KCR model, 14 GBL units for a Cisco-certified network associate (CCNA) certification training program were designed and installed on several servers. Players played the GBL units via internet browsers. According to the problem-solving theory, three game components, including a tool, feedback, and goal, are necessary for game playing and should be adopted to implement three sub-cognitive processes. A three-phase experiment was performed for one year. Subjects were university sophomores and a randomized block experiment design was implemented. Findings – The experimental results show that, compared with a traditional web-based learning platform, the GBL platform is more efficient and it enables learners to achieve improved learning performance. In addition, most hypotheses support the fact that particular cognizance processes should be implemented by a specific representation approach in GBL. Finally, a KCR model for GBL content design is inferred to represent a cognitive process appropriately that can be referenced for both the digital content instructor and the game developer. Research limitations/implications – Because the CCNA training material does not include meta-knowledge of Bloom knowledge type and the creation of the Bloom cognitive process, the KCR model should be further extended. In addition, others certification training materials (such as Oracle DBA, Java programmer) can be implemented on the basis of the KCR model for general validation as further research. Practical implications – Players can acquire specific types of knowledge, such as factual knowledge, by experiencing a particular cognitive process, such as the “remembering & understanding” processes, which can be represented with a computer tool. The KCR model can provide both the instructor and the game developer with design recommendations and accelerate GBL content implementation. Originality/value – GBL is a learning platform that can stimulate a learner by improving the motivation to learn and the learning experience. To ensure high-learning performance, the learner should perform specific cognitive processes and acquire knowledge. This research proposes a content design model for GBL units that appropriately replicate the Bloom framework in a computer game.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis C. Almeida

This paper presents findings of a quantitative investigation of how games affect achievement of an educational objective based on the foundations of information processing. The results suggest that games can be used to assist achievement of classroom content. The results of this experimental quantitative study pointed to the overwhelming evidence that games outperformed the control group (nongames) in the achievement of factual knowledge in a group of freshman education students at a medium-size university.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damir Vusić ◽  
Robert Geček

The paper examines literature on the subject of instructional design and game based learning with the aim of identifying its positive effects and impact on users. Special attention was given to learning, encouragement and development of skills acquired through the use of game based learning. Game based learning is considered to be a complex system that requires instructional support geared towards stimulating cognitive processes. Several empirical research papers which provide insight into this field of interest have been chosen. The second set of papers provides confirmation accompanied with an analysis of instructional support as a function of the learning support. Also included were recent works which indicated the need for further research and the heterogeneity of the existing research. Other works complemented the unit and are mutually interconnected by a methodological approach providing insight into the issues that should be investigated in the future.


Author(s):  
Jonathon Mackay ◽  
Albert Munoz ◽  
Matthew Pepper

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to construct a typology of a disaster that informs humanitarian-relief supply chain (HRSC) design across the stages of disaster relief. Design/methodology/approach In addition to an interdisciplinary review of pertinent literature, this paper utilises a typology construction method to propose theoretically and methodologically sound dimensions of disasters. Findings Whilst semantic arguments surrounding the concept of a “disaster” are ongoing, the authors propose three typologies based upon six dimensions that serve as interdependent variables informing resultant HRSC design considerations. These are speed of onset, time horizon, spatial considerations, affected population needs, perceived probability of occurrence and perceived magnitude of consequence. These combinational and independent relationships of the variables offer insight into key HRSC design-making considerations. Research limitations/implications The study improves conceptual knowledge of disasters, distilling the concept to only the dimensions applicable to HRSC design, omitting other applications. The typologies provide empirical cell types based on extant literature, but do not apply the models towards new or future phenomena. Practical implications This paper provides HRSC practitioners with normative guidance through a more targeted approach to disaster relief, with a focus on the impacted system and resulting interactions’ correspondence to HRSC design. Originality/value This paper provides three typological models of disasters uniquely constructed for HRSC design across the various stages of disaster relief.


2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (11) ◽  
pp. 2814-2830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mo Chen ◽  
Shijiu Yin ◽  
Yingjun Xu ◽  
Zhiwei Wang

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for tomatoes carrying different organic labels. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from 878 randomly selected consumers in Shandong Province, China, using the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak auction experiment. The authors used the multivariate probit (MVP) model to analyze the factors influencing consumer preferences. Findings – Results indicated that consumers’ WTP for tomatoes carrying the European Union (EU) organic label was significantly higher than those carrying the Chinese organic label. However, no significant difference was found between consumers’ WTP for tomatoes carrying the EU organic label and that for tomatoes carrying both Chinese and EU labels. The results of the MVP model analysis demonstrated that the consumers with different individual characteristics had heterogeneous preferences for organic labels. Food safety consciousness and organic knowledge both had positive effects on consumers’ WTP, meanwhile, environmental awareness had no prominent effect on consumer preferences. Originality/value – This research is of academic value and of value to policy makers and suppliers. To satisfy diverse market requirements, governments, and manufacturers should consider consumer preferences for different certification labels in strategy development.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 286-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Ravenda ◽  
Maika M. Valencia-Silva ◽  
Josep Maria Argiles-Bosch ◽  
Josep Garcia-Blandon

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how accounting is used to disguise and carry out money laundering activities in specific socio-economic and political contexts and whether discretionary accruals can provide evidence of such illicit practices performed through legally registered Mafia firms (LMFs). Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a sample of 224 Italian firms identified as LMFs, due to having been confiscated by judicial authorities because of their owners being accused of Mafia-type association. Using a multivariate regression model, specifically developed discretionary accrual proxies for LMFs are compared with those of a population of lawful firms (LWFs). Findings The results reveal that in the pre-confiscation years, LMFs manage aggregate, revenue and expense accruals more than LWFs do, in order to smooth earnings and disguise/carry out money laundering. In contrast, in the post-confiscation years, there is no significant difference in the level of accrual management between LMFs and LWFs, as a consequence of the effective intervention of legal administrators. Originality/value This study adopts discretionary revenue and expense accrual proxies that provide additional insight into the simultaneous manipulation of revenues and expenses, linked to money laundering, which may not be fully detected by traditional aggregate accrual models. Furthermore, it suggests that the incentive for LMFs to manage accruals may be fostered by the irrelevance of their financial statements to trades with stakeholders. Finally, this paper may provide regulators with financial accounting signals which could be included in risk assessment models aiming to detect money laundering activities within firms.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Cristina Boscolo ◽  
Jorge Henrique Caldeira Oliveira ◽  
Vishwas Maheshwari ◽  
Janaina de Moura Engracia Giraldi

PurposeThis study examines the differences between genders in visual attention and attitudes toward different types of advertisements.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental design using a structured questionnaire and six print advertisements with a male, female and neutral focus was used to evaluate gender differences. In total, 180 students from a public university in Brazil participated in the study. An eye-tracking device was employed, using the Tobii Studio software, to get the visual attention metrics for this study.FindingsIn the case of the female advertisements, no significant difference between visual attention and attitude was found; however, differences were found in the case of male visual attention to the image and their relative attitudes toward the advertisements.Research limitations/implicationsBecause it is a laboratory experiment using quota sampling, mainly Latin consumers, the potential for broader generalization may be limited. Besides, since they are real image advertisement images, there may be some interference in the respondents' responses from previous interactions with the brand or product exposed or even from a prior observation of this advertisement.Originality/valueThis study provides deeper insight into Latin consumers' preferences and associations, who have a different cultural and national context. This study contributes to the use of the eye-tracking tool as a neuromarketing technique to evaluate and analyze visual attention.


2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 768-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Lindberg ◽  
Håkan Bohman ◽  
Peter Hulten ◽  
Timothy Wilson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on the test of a pedagogical intervention to enhance students’ entrepreneurial mindset on a university course. Design/methodology/approach The course where the authors tested the new course design is a mandatory one in the business school’s undergraduate business program. Pre- and post-evaluations of the students’ opportunity recognition (OR) and individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) were carried out to measure the effects of an intervention aimed at enhancing these capabilities. Findings The results from paired-samples t-tests indicate significant positive changes (enhancements) of the students’ OR and IEO. The positive effects of the intervention methods are accounted for as evidence of the benefits of applying pedagogical methods that fit the learning style of young adults. Practical implications The findings suggest that students’ mindsets can be positively affected by an intervention tailored to enhance their OR and IEO capabilities. The findings have implications for curriculum development because the strengthening of these capabilities is a precondition for further development of the participants’ innovative and creative thinking, as well as their entrepreneurial orientation. Since innovative and entrepreneurial activities have a positive impact on economies worldwide, the authors encourage the adaption of the intervention methods applied in this study in other settings. Originality/value This paper reports the results of a pedagogical intervention aimed at enhancing students’ entrepreneurial mindset. The findings from the study demonstrate that the applied intervention method supports the development of functional skills, which complement the conceptual knowledge gained from other courses in the undergraduate program.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 639
Author(s):  
Sabine Meister ◽  
Annette Upmeier zu Belzen

In this study, we investigated participants’ reactions to supportive and anomalous data in the context of population dynamics. Based on previous findings on conceptions about ecosystems and responses to anomalous data, we assumed a tendency to confirm the initial prediction after dealing with contradicting data. Our aim was to integrate a product-based analysis, operationalized as prediction group changes with process-based analyses of individual data-based scientific reasoning processes to gain a deeper insight into the ongoing cognitive processes. Based on a theoretical framework describing a data-based scientific reasoning process, we developed an instrument assessing initial and subsequent predictions, confidence change toward these predictions, and the subprocesses data appraisal, data explanation, and data interpretation. We analyzed the data of twenty pre-service biology teachers applying a mixed-methods approach. Our results show that participants tend to maintain their initial prediction fully or change to predictions associated with a mix of different conceptions. Maintenance was observed even if most participants were able to use sophisticated conceptual knowledge during their processes of data-based scientific reasoning. Furthermore, our findings implicate the role of confidence changes and the influences of test wiseness.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jookyung Kwon ◽  
Jiseon Ahn

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of customers’ socio-demographic characteristics on the formation of behavioral intention toward green hotels in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The current study used partial least square-structural equation modeling to analyze a sample of 400 green hotel customers in Malaysia. Further, multi-group analysis (MGA) is conducted to examine whether a significant difference exists across demographic groups. Findings Attitude and perceived behavioral control exert positive effects on desire, which in turn considerably influences behavioral intention. Results of MGA indicate that attributions have varying effects on the desire and behavioral intention with different socio-demographic characteristics. In particular, negative anticipated emotion negatively predicts desire among the customers of the older group, whereas positive anticipated emotion and subjective norm positively influence desire among the customers of the low educational level group. Research limitations/implications The study examines green hotel customers’ behavior in Malaysia, and further research is needed to determine whether the impact of the proposed determinants across different industries. As the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has started to influence customers’ behavior, the findings may be changing over time. Thus, a further longitudinal study would be beneficial to monitor the performance hotel CSR activities. Originality/value Although there is an increasing interest in CSR activities among Malaysian customers, there is a lack of information regarding customers’ motivation in the green hotel context. Furthermore, limited studies examined the role of customers’ demographic characteristics in the CSR literature. There is a need to understand green hotel industry and customers’ responses toward CSR activities.


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