Developing Fact Finders: A Mobile Game for Overcoming Intractable Conflicts
Journal
Social Science Computer Review
Date Issued
February 25, 2023
DOI
10.1177/08944393211073586
Abstract
This study describes the design of a serious game for social change (“Fact Finders”) that presents
intergroup conflicts through historical inquiry and multiperspectivity. A pre-test post-test experimental design examined the game’s effect on undergraduates’ perceptions of conflicts in
history. Participants included 97 Greek Cypriots (direct parties of the conflict) and 79 Slovenians
(third parties of the conflict) who interacted with and evaluated the game online. Data sources
included a 17-item questionnaire on perceptions of conflicts in history and gameplay learning
analytics data. Findings indicated that both groups’ perceptions for historical source evaluation and
understanding multiperspectivity changed significantly after the game. The game significantly
changed perceptions about the constructedness of history and the ability to overcome their
country’s troubled past only for direct parties of the conflict. The study provides empirical
evidence demonstrating the potential value of serious games for affecting young people’s perceptions of intractable intergroup conflicts and their desire to overcome troubled pasts.
intergroup conflicts through historical inquiry and multiperspectivity. A pre-test post-test experimental design examined the game’s effect on undergraduates’ perceptions of conflicts in
history. Participants included 97 Greek Cypriots (direct parties of the conflict) and 79 Slovenians
(third parties of the conflict) who interacted with and evaluated the game online. Data sources
included a 17-item questionnaire on perceptions of conflicts in history and gameplay learning
analytics data. Findings indicated that both groups’ perceptions for historical source evaluation and
understanding multiperspectivity changed significantly after the game. The game significantly
changed perceptions about the constructedness of history and the ability to overcome their
country’s troubled past only for direct parties of the conflict. The study provides empirical
evidence demonstrating the potential value of serious games for affecting young people’s perceptions of intractable intergroup conflicts and their desire to overcome troubled pasts.
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