Two Methodologies to Assess UrbanSim Scenarios
Abstract
Turn-based strategy games and simulations are vital tools for military education, training, and readiness. In an era of increasingly constrained resources and expanding demand fbr training solutions, the need for validated, effective solutions will increase. Appropriate performance feedback is an important component of any training solution. Current methods for designing and testing the performance feedback provided in tum-based simulation are limited to well-structured problems and do not adequately address ill-structured problems that better replicate problems facing military leaders in today's complex operating environment. This paper develops and explores two new methods for assessing the feedback mechanisms of tum-based strategy games. Using UrbanSim, a game for training strategic approaches to counterinsurgency operations as an exemplar, this research developed and explored two unique methods for evaluating the reward structure of the UrbanSim scenarios. The first method evaluates different student strategies using a batch-run method. The second method uses a reinforcement-learning algorithm to explore the decision space. These scenario evaluation methodologies are shown to be able to provide insights about a game's performance feedback mechanism that was not previously available. These methodologies can be used for formative evaluation during game scenario development. Additionally, these evaluation methodologies are generalizable to other training and education games that focus on ill-structured problems and decision-making at discrete intervals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA595863
Entities
People
- Brian Vogt
Organizations
- United States Army Training and Doctrine Command