Research Development Project
The Research Development Project was a required assignment for CEP 900 & 930 at Michigan State. The project was a fun opportunity to develop and refine some of my research interests and to make a first attempt at developing a research study related to serious games. Many thanks to my amazing classmates for their assistance in developing and editing this project!
Abstract:
This study investigates the mediating role of game feedback in the near transfer of shifting function improvements. Few game features have yet to be isolated and tested for their effectiveness in achieving specific learning outcomes, such as the transfer of in-game skills to non-game activities. Executive functions, such as shifting, have been linked to academic success and have been demonstrated to be improved through video game play. While learner feedback is known to contribute to knowledge acquisition in learners, its role in facilitation of transfer is contested. This study involving 128 high school students (age range 14-18 years) will measure the effect of playing a purpose-built executive function shifting game in two conditions, with normal feedback and with severely diminished feedback. The study will make use of an NIH validated pre-and-posttest for testing shifting function, the Dimensional Change Card Sort. It is predicted that near transfer of executive function development will improve through withholding feedback during gameplay. The findings are anticipated to demonstrate how individual features of games can be tested in isolation, as well as provide guidance for future serious game development.