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Theory-oriented evaluation for the design of and research in gaming and simulation

Author

Listed:
  • Willy Christian Kriz

    (University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg)

  • Jan Ulrich Hense

    (Ludwig Maximilians University)

Abstract

Jan Klabbers introduced the terms science of analysis and science of design. The science of analysis uses games and simulations as research methods to test theories in various fields. Research in the science of design perspective emphasizes the design of the artifact, and testing its usability. However, in which way both communities can be of mutual benefit remains controversial. The authors discuss the potential contributions of theory-based evaluation in order to link both communities. Theory-oriented evaluation approaches are based on logic models which have the function of outlining how the simulation, its participants, and its environment interact with each other, and elicit the simulation's desired outcomes. Its primary aim is to gain evaluative knowledge from a particular gaming simulation which can then be used to improve the simulation and its implementation for practical purposes. The authors illustrate their viewpoints by discussing the theory-oriented evaluation of a business simulation game.

Suggested Citation

  • Willy Christian Kriz & Jan Ulrich Hense, 2006. "Theory-oriented evaluation for the design of and research in gaming and simulation," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 37(2), pages 268-283, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:simgam:v:37:y:2006:i:2:p:268-283
    DOI: 10.1177/1046878106287950
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rosemary Garris & Robert Ahlers & James E. Driskell, 2002. "Games, Motivation, and Learning: A Research and Practice Model," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 33(4), pages 441-467, December.
    2. Kevin Hindle, 2002. "A Grounded Theory for Teaching Entrepreneurship Using Simulation Games," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 33(2), pages 236-241, June.
    3. A. J. Faria, 2001. "The Changing Nature of Business Simulation/ Gaming Research: A Brief History," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 32(1), pages 97-110, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. G. David Garson, 2009. "Computerized Simulation in the Social Sciences," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 40(2), pages 267-279, April.
    2. Martin A. Lynch & Richard J. Tunstall, 2008. "When worlds collide: Developing game-design partnerships in universities," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 39(3), pages 379-398, September.
    3. Willy C. Kriz & Eberhard Auchter, 2016. "10 Years of Evaluation Research Into Gaming Simulation for German Entrepreneurship and a New Study on Its Long-Term Effects," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 47(2), pages 179-205, April.
    4. Leon de Caluwé & Jac Geurts & Wouter Jan Kleinlugtenbelt, 2012. "Gaming Research in Policy and Organization," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 43(5), pages 600-626, October.
    5. Jeffrey L. Lennon, 2010. "Debriefing a Health-Related Educational Game: A Case Study," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 41(3), pages 390-399, June.
    6. Jop van den Hoogen & Julia Lo & Sebastiaan Meijer, 2016. "Debriefing Research Games," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 47(3), pages 368-388, June.
    7. Angela Piu & Cesare Fregola & Barbara Barbieri, 2016. "Geometry Classrooms With Simulation/Games. Research Results and Future Developments," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 47(6), pages 796-817, December.
    8. Marcin Wardaszko & Błażej Podgórski, 2017. "Mobile Learning Game Effectiveness in Cognitive Learning by Adults: A Comparative Study," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 48(4), pages 435-454, August.
    9. Martin de Jong & Harald Warmelink, 2017. "Oasistan," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 48(2), pages 178-198, April.
    10. Jan H. G. Klabbers, 2006. "Guest Editorial: Artifact assessment versus theory testing," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 37(2), pages 148-154, June.
    11. Pablo Fraile-Jurado & Marc Llovet-Ferrer & Francesc Xavier Roig-Munar, 2025. "Toward Realism: An Analysis of Coastal Environments in Open-World Video Games," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 56(1), pages 33-62, February.
    12. Jan H. G. Klabbers, 2006. "A framework for artifact assessment and theory testing," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 37(2), pages 155-173, June.

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