LinkIT: A Ludic Elicitation Game for Eliciting Risk Perceptions. Issue 6 (18th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cao, Yan; McGill, William L.
• Is Part Of: Risk analysis. Volume 33:Issue 6(2013)
• Page Start: 1066
• Page End: 1082
• Publication Date: 2012-10-18
• Subjects: Technology -- Risk assessment -- Periodicals; 658.403
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2012.01907.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4332

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The mental models approach, a leading strategy to develop risk communications, involves a time‐ and labor‐intensive interview process and a lengthy questionnaire to elicit group‐level risk perceptions. We propose that a similarity ratings approach for structural knowledge elicitation can be adopted to assist the risk mental models approach. The <italic>LinkIT</italic> game, inspired by games with a purpose (GWAP) technology, is a ludic elicitation tool designed to elicit group understanding of the relations between risk factors in a more enjoyable and productive manner when compared to traditional approaches. That is, consistent with the idea of ludic elicitation, <italic>LinkIT</italic> was designed to make the elicitation process fun and enjoyable in the hopes of increasing participation and data quality in risk studies. Like the mental models approach, the group mental model obtained via the <italic>LinkIT</italic> game can hence be generated and represented in a form of influence diagrams. In order to examine the external validity of <italic>LinkIT</italic>, we conducted a study to compare its performance with respect to a more conventional questionnaire‐driven approach. Data analysis results conclude that the two group mental models elicited from the two approaches are similar to an extent. Yet, <italic>LinkIT</italic> was more productive and enjoyable than the questionnaire. However, participants commented that the current game has some usability concerns. This presentation summarizes the design and evaluation of the <italic>LinkIT</italic> game and suggests areas for future work.</p> </abstract>