Western University Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository 2-6-2015 12:00 AM An Investigation of Cognitive Implications in the Design of Computer Games Robert Haworth The University of Western Ontario Supervisor Dr. Kamran Sedig The University of Western Ontario Graduate Program in Computer Science A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree in Doctor of Philosophy © Robert Haworth 2015 Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd Part of the Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces Commons Recommended Citation Haworth, Robert, "An Investigation of Cognitive Implications in the Design of Computer Games" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2705. https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2705 This Dissertation/Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Scholarship@Western. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository by an authorized administrator of Scholarship@Western. For more information, please contact [email protected]. An Investigation of Cognitive Implications in the Design of Computer Games (Thesis format: Integrated Article) by Robert Haworth Graduate Program in Computer Science A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies The University of Western Ontario London, Ontario, Canada © Robert Haworth 2015 Abstract Computer games have been touted for their ability to engage players in cognitive activities (e.g., decision making, learning, planning, problem solving). By ‘computer game’ we mean any game that uses computational technology as its platform, regardless of the actual hardware or software; games on personal computers, tablets, game consoles, cellphones, or specialized equipment can all be called computer games. However, there remains much uncertainty regarding how to design computer games so that they support, facilitate, and promote the reflective, effortful, and conscious performance of cognitive activities. The goal of this dissertation is to relieve some of this uncertainty, so that the design of such computer games can become more systematic and less ad hoc. By understanding how different components of a computer game influence the resulting cognitive system, we can more consciously and systematically design computer games for the desired cognitive support. This dissertation synthesizes concepts from cognitive science, information science, learning science, human-computer interaction, and game design to create a conceptual design framework. The framework particularly focuses on the design of: gameplay, the player-game integrated cognitive system, the interaction that mediates gameplay and the cognitive system, and the components of this interaction. Furthermore, this dissertation also includes a process by which researchers can explore the relationship between components of a computer game and the resulting cognitive system in a consistent, controlled, and precise manner. Using this process, three separate studies were conducted to provide empirical support for different aspects of the framework; these studies investigated how the design of rules, visual interface, and the core mechanic influence the resulting cognitive system. Overall then, the conceptual framework and three empirical studies presented in this dissertation provide designers with a greater understanding of how to systematically design computer games to provide the desired support for any cognitive activity. Keywords Games; Computer Games; Digital Games; Electronic Games; Video Games; Educational Games; Serious Games; Gameplay; Cognitive Gameplay; Complex Cognition; Distributed ii Cognition; Human-Computer Interaction; Interaction Design; Game Design; Game Evaluation; Design Framework iii Co-Authorship Statement Chapter 1 was written by me, to introduce the dissertation and explain the connections between chapters. Chapters 3, 4, 7 and 8 were a collaborative effort with my supervisor, Kamran Sedig. Chapters 2 and 5 were also a collaborative effort with my supervisor, but included the help of another graduate student, Paul Parsons, working in the area of interaction design. Chapter 6, which focuses on the design of a particular game, was another collaborative work with my supervisor, but it also included the help of an undergraduate student, Michael Corridore, who worked on the implementation of the game. Chapter 9 was again written by me, to summarize the dissertation and outline future areas of research. Since the framework presented in this dissertation is a result of heavy collaboration, it may be difficult to identify which contributions can be attributed to me alone. However, some general comments can still be made. In synthesizing material, my contributions were associated with harmonizing the material, terminology, and attitudes of the game community (both researchers and practitioners) with those of other research communities. In theorizing material, my contributions were associated with ensuring design concepts and patterns applied effectively to the context of games. In testing material, my contributions were associated with the design and some implementation of the games. Such comments may not assist in identifying any particular concept or phrase as mine. Rather, it is intended to highlight the point that, throughout all of the collaboration and synthesizing, my main contribution has been to ensure that this framework includes concepts from game research and is applicable to game design. iv Acknowledgments First, I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Kamran Sedig. Our regular conversations and collaborations have been productive, insightful, and supportive throughout the time spent developing this dissertation. These discussions will continue to be a part of my growth long after my PhD is complete. Likewise, I would like to thank my examiners for their time and effort reviewing this dissertation and for their comments and constructive criticism. I would also like to thank those graduate students who have provided me with help. Foremost among these students is (now Dr.) Paul Parsons, whose many comments, questions, and general camaraderie has been a boon to my writing, understanding, and well-being. Last, but not least, I would like to thank my parents and my sister for their regular and continual love and support over the many years of my education, as well as my wife Gillian for her patience and love both before and after our wedding. v Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Co-Authorship Statement................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgments............................................................................................................... v Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... vi List of Tables .................................................................................................................... xii List of Figures .................................................................................................................. xiii Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Structure of Our Framework ................................................................................... 3 1.2 Scope of this Dissertation ....................................................................................... 7 1.3 Structure of this Dissertation .................................................................................. 8 1.4 Brief Note on Terminology ................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2: Design of Digital Cognitive Games: Some Considerations ............................ 12 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 12 2.1.1 Learning and cognition ............................................................................. 13 2.1.2 Digital cognitive games ............................................................................ 14 2.2 Design Considerations for DCGs.......................................................................... 15 2.2.1 Game content and representations ............................................................ 15 2.2.2 Interaction and the core mechanic ............................................................ 16 2.2.3 Interactivity ............................................................................................... 17 2.3 Design Scenario .................................................................................................... 18 2.3.1 Content and representation ....................................................................... 19 2.3.2 Interaction and core mechanic .................................................................. 20 2.3.3 Interactivity ............................................................................................... 21 2.3.4 Evaluation ................................................................................................. 21 vi 2.4 Summary ............................................................................................................... 22 Chapter