Visualizing Decision Trees in Games to Support Children's Analytic Reasoning: Any Negative Effects on Gameplay?. (21st June 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haworth, Robert; Tagh Bostani, Sousan Sheida; Sedig, Kamran
• Other Names: Arya Ali Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of computer games technology. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-06-21
• Subjects: Computer games -- Design -- Periodicals; Computer games -- Programming -- Periodicals; Jeux d'ordinateur; Jeux d'ordinateur -- Programmation; Computer games -- Design; Computer games -- Programming; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 794.81
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/578784
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-7047

Abstract

Abstract : The popularity and usage of digital games has increased in recent years, bringing further attention to their design. Some digital games require a significant use of higher order thought processes, such as problem solving and reflective and analytical thinking. Through the use of appropriate and interactive representations, these thought processes could be supported. A visualization of the game's internal structure is an example of this. However, it is unknown whether including these extra representations will have a negative effect on gameplay. To investigate this issue, a digital maze-like game was designed with its underlying structure represented as a decision tree. A qualitative, exploratory study with children was performed to examine whether the tree supported their thought processes and what effects, if any, the tree had on gameplay. This paper reports the findings of this research and discusses the implications for the design of games in general.