GRED 650 Research Assignment

Purpose:

The research assignment is intended to provide students with an opportunity to explore a specific aspect of simulations and games.

Timeline:

March 22nd  - Students will submit their conceptual design for their research.  This should be approximately 2 pages, double spaced, and include an outline of what is to be done, how the research is to be conducted, and what equipment is needed.  This document will be modified and included in the next phase.

March 29th and March 30th - Students with a clear conceptual design will be allowed to participate in the Learning and Research Fair at SUNY Potsdam from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the student union.  Other students will continue to develop their research design.

April 5th - Students will submit a 3-5 page double spaced research outline.  This document should include the revisions to the first document, as well as a brief literature review supporting the research.

April 19th. - Feedback on research outline will be given.

April 26 - Any equipment needed must be obtained by this date.

May 3rd - Students will submit a 6-10 page revised research outline.  This document should include a refined design, that includes the following sections: Purpose/overview of the Study, Problem Statment, Literature Review, Procedures, and Expected Results.

May 10 & May 17 - Students will pilot test the research as part of the final presentations for class.  Students  will have approximately 1/2 hour of class time to conduct the research phase of the study.  Results of this phase will be included with the revised research outline as the final project for the class.  Conducting a study based on this pilot study will be at the discression of the student with consultation from the instructor.

Possible Resarch Topics:

1) Help design and produce an instructional design card game. (I need one student to do this)

2) Measure physiological effects of games on the player

3) Do a pre and post game interview with the player, and measure for the effects of the game on the player.  Topics could be sensitivity to violence, sex, humor, etc. .  .

4) Interview players to determine what is motivating them to play the game.  Possibly a gender comparison would be appropriate in this case.

5) Videotape players playing a game, note facial expressions, eye movements, or any instances of them talking or making noises.

6) There are many others, these are just a few ideas.