ERIC Number: ED273264
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1986-Apr
Pages: 17
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Applications of Microcomputer Search-Type Adventure Games in Research on Spatial Orientation, Place Location, and Memory for Places.
Forsyth, Alfred S., Jr.
This study investigated place location learning from a simulated environmental exploration experience in terms of two variables: gender (both cognitive and affective effects) and presence and/or type of accompanying map. Subjects were 120 fourth and fifth grade students, who were randomly selected and assigned after stratification on gender. The students played a computer adventure game--Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood--for 40 minutes with either a labels-plus-drawings map, a labels-only map, a drawings-only map, or no map at all. Contrary to findings from previous studies of gender differences in spatial abilities, spatial skills, and attitudes toward computer activities (most of which reported results favoring boys), no significant differences regarding gender were found for either the cognitive or affective measures, and virtually all subjects enjoyed playing the game. As hypothesized, results showed that map groups scored significantly higher on a place location recall posttest than the no-map group, and that labels-plus drawings and labels-only groups outscored the other groups to a statistically significant degree. Follow-up tests 2 weeks after treatment showed high levels of retention of place location information. It is concluded that computer adventure game simulations of environmental exploration may represent an effective and enjoyable method for promoting place location learning for both sexes. (Author/DJR)
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Researchers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A