Bureaucratic Politics and Decision Making Under Uncertainty in a National Security Crisis: Assessing the Effects of International Relations Theory and the Learning Impact of Role-Playing Simulation at the U.S. Naval Academy

Abstract

Using a pre-=posttest research design, this article measures the learning impact of active-learning techniques such as role-playing simulations in an international relations course. Using the students' different responses to the pre-and postsimulation surveys in a quasi-experimental design whereby two sections that were taught by the same instructor were given different sets of theoretical readings, this article shows how exposure to different decision-making theories has a measurable effect on how students behave in the role-playing simulation.

Looking at role-play simulations of political decision-making in higher education through a contextual lens: A state-of-the-art

“…They are considered valuable learning environments and highly appreciated by students and lecturers (Van Dyke et al, 2000). To date, the community has been struggling to capture learning outcomes, as seen in research findings being inconclusive regarding simulations' benefits (Biziouras, 2013;Duchatelet et al, 2018;Raymond, 2010). In this review study, we advocate that, alongside recommended methodological rigour (Baranowski & Weir, 2015), research designs should not ignore contextual features, which have been proven to contribute to student learning (Biggs, 1993;Baker & Delacruz, 2016;Dinsmore & Alexander, 2012).…”

“…To date, researchers have been struggling to capture the learning outcomes of role-play simulations of political decision-making, as seen in research findings being inconclusive regarding simulations' benefits (Biziouras, 2013;Duchatelet, Bursens, Donche, Gijbels, & Spooren, 2018;Raymond, 2010). The difficulty in capturing learning outcomes has mostly been dealt with as an issue of research design and operationalization.…”

National Security Council: Simulating Decision-making Dilemmas in Real Time

“…Simulating the NSC is not novel (see Chernotsky ; Biggio ; Biziouras ; Butcher ) and NSC simulations akin to Model UN exercises have increased in popularity (Intelligence and National Security ), but the simulation described here is unusual. Neither an extra‐ or cocurricular activity nor a short‐term classroom activity, this NSC simulation is a full‐length college course .…”

The Long Game: Five Years of Simulating the Middle East

“…Studies of student experience and outcomes with IR and PS role plays are certainly available (Baylouny, 2009;Biziouras, 2013;Dougherty, 2003;Giovanello et al, 2013;Raymond & Sorensen, 2007;Stover, 2005;Wakelee & Itkonen, 2013). This may include generalised discussion of learning outcomes and some presentation of data surrounding student satisfaction, grade scores or other feedback (Blum & Scherer, 2007;Raymond, 2010;Stover, 2005).…”

“…Several thousands of students in Australia and the USA would have taken part in the MEPS over its lifetime. As an example of a complex online role play, the MEPS has also been the subject of repeated scholarly investigation (Dracup, 2009;Hardy & Totman, 2011, 2012, 2013Ip & Linser, 2001;Russell & Shepherd, 2010;Vincent & Shepherd, 1998;Wills, Leigh, & Ip, 2010).…”