Pacing in Serious Games: Exploring the Effects of Presentation Speed on Cognitive Load, Engagement and Learning Gains. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petko, Dominik; Schmid, Regina; Cantieni, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Simulation & gaming. Volume 51:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 258
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: cognitive load -- engagement -- game-based learning -- pacing -- serious games; 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: 10.1177/1046878120902502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-8781

Abstract

Background. To determine the optimalspeed of computer-paced serious games, the interplay of cognitive load variables and game engagement variables can serve as combined criteria. Intervention. In order to test the effects of higher or lower game speeds on different types ofcognitive load andengagement, the FRESH FOOD RUNNER game was developed, which teaches the harvest seasons of different fruits and vegetables. Method. In this study, N=58 6 th grade primary school students are randomly assigned to play theserious game FRESH FOOD RUNNER at different speeds. Pre-and post-tests are used to assess learning gains, in combination with rating scales for different types of cognitive load and game engagement. Results. Results show that highestlearning gains and lowest levels of extraneous cognitive load are prevalent at medium speed settings, which are neither too fast nor too slow. A similar pattern is apparent for student ratings of game engagement. Discussion and Conclusion. In consequence, learning gains, cognitive load and engagement variables can be regarded as suitable criteria to determine theoptimal speed of serious games.