Simulation effects vary by complex skill: highest for technical performance, lowest for communication skills¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · quant-synthesis r? · q3 · i2 medium
Currency · newest study 2020 · checked against its sources 2026-10-18 (automated, 1 of 1 entry) · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i2 Technical performance showed the highest effect (g = 1.06) while communication skills showed the lowest (g = 0.44). → Olga Chernikova 2020

Evidence¶

Olga Chernikova 2020¶

Olga Chernikova, Nicole Heitzmann, and Matthias Stadler, Doris Holzberger, Tina Seidel, Frank Fischer. (2020). Simulation-Based Learning in Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis. Review of Educational Research. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320933544

q3 · i2 · quant-synthesis · r?

Metaregression moderator analysis of complex skills type across the 145 studies. The moderator was significant (p < .001, Q between = 167.61). Effects ranged from "g = 0.44" for communication skills to "g = 1.06" for technical performance.

"Communication and collaboration skills (teamwork) are only moderately facilitated by simulation-based learning (g = 0.44, SE = 0.15, and g = 0.50, SE = 0.08, respectively), followed by situation management (g = 0.72, SE = 0.30), diagnostic skills (g = 0.82, SE = 0.21), and problem solving (g = 0.88, SE = 0.11); the highest effects of simulations reported are on technical performance (g = 1.06, SE = 0.15)."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Communication Skills — moderator: an instructional effect differs with it

Related Claims¶

• GenAI/LLM modalities provide the strongest evidence for cognitive and communication outcomes, while chatbots show weak independent effects — related