The Influence of Trainee Gaming Experience and Computer Self-Efficacy on Learner Outcomes of Videogame-Based Learning Environments

Abstract

Videogame-based environments are an increasingly popular choice to facilitate training. The purpose of the current research was to investigate the influence of two trainee characteristics, prior videogame experience and computer self-efficacy, on learner outcomes of a videogame-based training environment. In this research, 413 participants played a first-person-perspective videogame that began with a single-player section to introduce game-specific tasks, followed by a multi-player section where participants formed small teams to conduct several collaborative missions. Results indicated that computer self-efficacy and prior videogame experience were predictive of several learner outcomes such that trainees with greater computer self-efficacy and prior videogame experience reported less difficulty using the game interface and greater team cohesion, training satisfaction, and training motivation. Further, a videogame genre-specific effect was demonstrated in that only specific prior game experiences that share similar characteristics with the current training game were significantly predictive of the learner outcomes. These findings have implications for training game developers and instructors utilizing such games.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA437016

Entities

People

  • James Belanich
  • Kara L. Orvis
  • Karin A. Orvis
  • Laura N. Mullin

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Psychology
  • Cognitive Systems Engineering
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Distance Learning
  • Education
  • Human Behavior
  • Instructors
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Sciences
  • Students
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • User Interface
  • Video Games

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Game Theory.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation
  • Organizational Psychology.