Evaluation

In academic settings, one is always concerned with the impact of a game. Here we are interested not only in the educational or training value, but also in its ability to engage, entertain, and transport. And of course, how useful is it to have training while one is entertained? Recently we have produced a report containing several instruments for evaluation of the impact of Heart Sense Game, however, we believe these instruments are relevant to many interactive fictions and related types of drama games. This report presents instruments for measuring the training and aesthetic dimensions of edutainment with particular focus upon interactive drama games that serve as health behavior change interventions. After overviewing the specific Heart Sense game that we created, we explain the instruments and our plan for both validating them and using them in a clinical trial. Overall, in addition to a demographics instrument we have developed instruments for metrics in both training dimensions (Knowledge, Stated Intent, Willingness to Pay) as well as in aesthetic dimensions (Narrative Engagement, Game Entertainment, Usefulness, and Usability). We also make use of two previously developed instruments on decisional conflict and need for cognition. The draft instruments are provided in the Appendices -- they are being validated as part of our ongoing trial.

Instruments for Exploring the Training and Aesthetic Dimensions of Edutainment:Case of the Heart Sense Game