Are You a Werewolf? Teaching Symbolic Interaction Theory through Game Play

Abstract

In this article, we report on the implementation of using the game Werewolf as a student-centered applied-learning activity to teach symbolic interaction theory and concepts. Engaging with symbolic interaction theory can be a powerful experience for students due to its potential to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions and analyze students’ everyday life experiences. However, some students may have difficulty grasping the specific details and overall significance underlying the perspective. Moreover, research has shown that undergraduate students often have significant levels of anxiety when confronted with sociological theory in both introductory and upper division theory courses. We aim to address recommendations to incorporate more active learning approaches to social theory by outlining an applied-learning activity based on the role-playing game Werewolf. In the article, we review Werewolf and provide a step-by-step guide on how to implement the activity in the classroom and summarize findings from student assessments and classroom evaluations.

The Dynamics of Minority versus Majority Behaviors: A Case Study of the Mafia Game

“…However, careful consideration of the level of linguistic ability relative to the game implementation as an instructional tool can be learner-specific. Meanwhile, Conner and Baxter [4] reported on the implementation of student-centered applied-learning activity using the game Werewolf (a similar variant of the Mafia game with additional roles or characters), where learners engaged with symbolic interaction theory and analyzed everyday life experiences. Such an implementation aimed to incorporate more active learning approaches to social theory by outlining an appliedlearning activity based on the role-playing game Werewolf as an alternative pedagogical tool that demonstrated heightened understanding of the underlying concepts.…”

“…A measure of game refinement (GR) is obtained as the root square of the second derivative. For a game with branching factor B and game length D (i.e., a board game, approximated by utilizing an efficient αβ algorithm in a MIN/MAX tree search structure), the GR can be approximated as in (4).…”

Reasons Impelling To Engagement of Squat Payment by Solitary Mothers: A Case of Solitary Mothers in a City in Tanzania

“…It defines a situation in which the connections and divisions of social inequality have developed into a framework that determines who gets what, when, and for what reasons. The symbolic interactionist frequently refers to ranks of people based on income and other resources in a community when discussing social stratification (Conner & Baxter, 2022;Kendall, 2020;Williams & Baker, 2021).…”

Sociological interventions for the diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria: addressing misconceptions, cultural biases, and promoting vaccination

“…In this discussion, the paper delves into the sociological interventions that are being employed to protect the population in Nigeria from diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection [6,7]. By exploring the impact of symbolic interactionism and its application, the study illuminates the strategies, designed to engage communities, reshape perceptions, and foster a sense of shared responsibility in the fight against this preventable disease [8][9][10]. In a country as culturally rich and diverse as Nigeria, these sociological interventions are not just about healthcare but also about engaging with the deeply rooted beliefs, symbols, and interactions that shape the nation's collective health-consciousness [11].…”

“…Aligning with Symbolic Interactionism, health education campaigns can be designed with a deep understanding of the cultural symbols, language, and meanings, associated with diphtheria and vaccination in Nigeria. The messaging should resonate with the local population by using symbols and language that people can relate to and understand [5,9]. This might involve using local idioms, proverbs, or cultural symbols to communicate the importance of vaccination.…”