Training Moral Sensitivity Through Video Games: A Review of Suitable Game Mechanisms. Issue 4 (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Katsarov, Johannes; Christen, Markus; Mauerhofer, Ralf; Schmocker, David; Tanner, Carmen
• Other Names: Ryan Malcolm guest-editor.; Tulloch Rowan guest-editor.; Formosa Paul guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Games and culture. Volume 14:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: game-based learning -- moral education -- ethics -- moral sensitivity -- moral awareness; Games -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Video games -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Computer games -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Interactive multimedia -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 303.4834
• DOI: 10.1177/1555412017719344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1555-4120

Abstract

The goal of this study is to support game designers in the selection and implementation of game mechanisms to promote players' moral sensitivity (MS). A lack of MS may lead people to behave unethically, without awareness for their actions' moral implications. In this study, we conduct a theory-based evaluation of 20 distinct game mechanisms in view of their potential to promote MS. MS is thereby operationalized in terms of three learning outcomes (LOs): empathic concern for relevant groups, alertness to values/principles, and awareness for one's vulnerability to biases. This study suggests that MS is best promoted through a careful combination of game mechanisms, addressing all three LOs.