LinkIT: a ludic elicitation game for eliciting risk perceptions

Area of Science:

• Risk communication
• Cognitive science
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• Traditional risk communication relies on the mental models approach, which is time- and labor-intensive.
• Eliciting group-level risk perceptions often involves lengthy interviews and questionnaires.
• There is a need for more engaging and efficient methods for structural knowledge elicitation in risk studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate the LinkIT game as a ludic elicitation tool to assist the risk mental models approach.
• To compare the effectiveness and user experience of the LinkIT game against a conventional questionnaire-driven approach.
• To assess the external validity of group mental models generated using the LinkIT game.

Main Methods:

• Developed the LinkIT game, inspired by games with a purpose (GWAP) technology, for ludic elicitation.
• Conducted a study comparing the LinkIT game with a traditional questionnaire-driven approach for eliciting group mental models.
• Analyzed the similarity of elicited group mental models and compared productivity and enjoyment levels.

Main Results:

• Group mental models elicited by LinkIT and the questionnaire approach were found to be similar.
• The LinkIT game proved to be more productive and enjoyable for participants than the questionnaire.
• Participants identified some usability concerns with the current version of the LinkIT game.

Conclusions:

• The LinkIT game is a viable and more engaging alternative for structural knowledge elicitation in risk communication.
• Ludic elicitation can enhance participation and data quality in risk perception studies.
• Further development is needed to address usability concerns and optimize the LinkIT game for broader application.