How feedback boosts motivation and play in a brain-training game. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burgers, Christian; Eden, Allison; van Engelenburg, Mélisande D.; Buningh, Sander
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 48(2015)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Serious gaming -- Feedback -- Motivation -- Need satisfaction -- Self Determination Theory (SDT) -- Feedback Intervention Theory (FIT); Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.01.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Highlights: We study effects of feedback type and valence in a brain-training game. Evaluative feedback increases, but comparative feedback decreases future game play. Negative feedback (NF) decreases feelings of competence, but increases immediate play. Positive feedback boosts intrinsic motivation through competence and autonomy needs. NF motivates repairing poor short-term performance; PF fosters long-term motivation. Abstract: Games are important vehicles for learning and behavior change as long as players are motivated to continue playing. We study the impact of verbal feedback in stimulating player motivation and future play in a brain-training game. We conducted a 2 (feedback valence: positive vs. negative) × 3 (feedback type: descriptive, comparative, evaluative) between-subjects experiment ( N = 157, 69.4% female, M age = 32.07). After playing a brain-training game and receiving feedback, we tapped players' need satisfaction, motivation and intention to play the game again. Results demonstrate that evaluative feedback increases, while comparative feedback decreases future game play. Furthermore, negative feedback decreases players' feeling of competence, but also increases immediate game play. Positive feedback, in contrast, satisfies competence and autonomy needs, thereby boosting intrinsic motivation. Negative feedback thus motivates players to repair poor short-term performances, while positive feedback is more powerful in fostering long-term motivation and play.