A Mathematical Law for Assessing Outcome Values of Games. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dickinson, John R.
• Is Part Of: Simulation & gaming. Volume 45:Number 3(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 318
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: algorithmic validity -- Benford's Law -- business games -- computerized simulation games -- digital analysis -- game assessment -- numeric outcome values -- validation; Social sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Game theory -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Jeu de rôle -- Périodiques; Éducation; Jeu d'entreprise; Jeu de simulation; Méthode de simulation; Sciences sociales; Théorie des jeux; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 003.3
• DOI: 10.1177/1046878114530813
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-8781

Abstract

Background: The predominate outcomes of manycomputerized simulation games, particularlybusiness games, are numeric values, for example, financial statements, as determined by thegame algorithm . Numerous types of algorithms have been put forth. Attending these algorithms are issues of their validity; numerous approaches tovalidation also having been put forth. Aim: This research presents a type ofdigital analysis, Benford's Law, as a basis for assessing the validity of simulation gamenumeric outcome values, that is, algorithmic validity . Method: To illustrate the application of Benford's Law, it was applied to income statement items from a business game competition. Thefirst digits andsecond digits, respectively, of numeric outcome values were analyzed. Results: Both the first digits and the second digitsconform closely toBenford's Law . Less conforming outcomes were those of assigned values to which Benford's Law does not apply. Conclusion: Benford's Law is conceptually and practicallyappropriate forassessing simulation gamenumeric outcome values . An example of its application demonstrates this appropriateness.