Correlates of Learning in Simulations

This study attempted to identify variables that correlate with learning in simulations. The researchers explored whether simulation learning varied with (1) simulation performance, (2) the degree to which players were struggling with the simulation, (3) type of simulation goals, and (4) common sense variables often associated with learning such as confidence. The subjects were college seniors; the simulation lasted eleven quarters; learning was measured by Instructor designed instruments; other variables were measured by questionnaire. The results were that students who expressed game related financial goals, such as to maximize profits, early in game learned more and that those that perceived the game to be understandable and simple early in the game also learned more. Learning did not correlate with performance and the degree of struggle