Balancing Engagement and Validity in Game-Based Cognitive Assessments

Game features are used to improve engagement in cognitive assessments but may also influence the cognitive constructs being measured. This short communication reviews empirical work on how specific game features affect engagement and construct validity. Structural features such as points and feedback tend to improve engagement with limited validity risks, while narratives and time pressure can shift strategies and alter what is being measured. Evidence remains limited, indicating a need for clearer validation frameworks.