Uncertainty in a game-like learning environment enhances post-test learning outcomes¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study (2 entries) · causal r2 · q3 · i1 small
Currency · newest study 2013 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i1 The uncertain group performed significantly better than the certain group on the post-test (Cohen's d = 0.20). → Ozcelik 2013 q3 i? The group effect on post-test remained significant after ANCOVA adjustment for prior knowledge (F(1, 134) = 5.46, p = 0.02). → Ozcelik 2013 (2)

Evidence¶

Ozcelik 2013¶

Ozcelik, E., Ercil Cagiltay, N., & Sahin Ozcelik, N. (2013). The effect of uncertainty on learning in game-like environments. Computers & Education, 67, 12–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.02.009

q3 · i1 · causal · r2

A randomized experiment with 140 undergraduate students assigned to uncertain (n = 71) or certain (n = 69) versions of a game-like ERD learning tool found the uncertain group "performed significantly better than the certain group in the post-test", with "Cohen ’s d ¼ 0.20".

"Whereas, Welch ’s t-test showed that the uncertain group performed significantly better than the certain group in the post-test, t(133) ¼ 2.58, p ¼ 0.01 (see Table 3). The effect size was small (Cohen ’s d ¼ 0.20)."

Ozcelik 2013 (2)¶

Ozcelik, E., Ercil Cagiltay, N., & Sahin Ozcelik, N. (2013). The effect of uncertainty on learning in game-like environments. Computers & Education, 67, 12–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.02.009

q3 · i? · causal · r2

An ANCOVA on post-test scores adjusting for prior knowledge in the same randomized experiment showed the "effect of the group remained significant", indicating the uncertainty effect persisted "after controlling for the differences in the prior knowledge".

"The effect of the group remained significant, F(1, 134) ¼ 5.46, p ¼ 0.02, suggesting that the effect of uncertainty on the post-test existed even after controlling for the differences in the prior knowledge between the groups."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• No significant group differences in motivation, accuracy, response time, or reading time between uncertain and certain groups — related
• Post-test performance is positively associated with accuracy, response time, uncertainty, and motivation — related
• Uncertainty is positively associated with learner motivation in game-like environments — related