A design science approach to mixed-methods evaluation in serious game research

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Game-Based Learning
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Serious games require rigorous validation for educational effectiveness.
• Design Science methodology integrates research and artifact creation.
• Evaluating serious games as educational tools necessitates robust assessment frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a methodological framework for serious game validation.
• To assess the effectiveness of a serious game for business ethics education.
• To integrate quantitative and qualitative methods for comprehensive evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data.
• Quantitative assessment based on Technology Acceptance Model III (TAM III) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).
• Qualitative inquiry analyzed student group work to understand post-gameplay ethical perceptions.

Main Results:

• The serious game was validated as a relevant and effective tool for ethics education.
• The integrated methodology demonstrated consistency and reliability in serious game validation.
• The game successfully promoted ethical reflection among university students.

Conclusions:

• The presented methodological framework provides a reliable approach for validating serious games.
• Serious games, when rigorously validated, are effective educational tools for promoting ethical reflection.
• Findings offer insights for educators to leverage student perceptions in future game-based learning applications.