Cross‐cultural mobile game evaluation shows improvement in environmental learning, but not behavior

Thomas‐Walters, Laura; Veríssimo, Diogo

doi:10.1111/csp2.12784

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 36 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Academics (or pracademics) can advise on relevant theory and research and how to incorporate formal theory into programmes (with support for evaluation at conclusion). Examples of partnering and theory advising exist in social marketing ranging from prevention of substance use, sexual risk and violence (Andrade et al , 2018; Yoshihama et al , 2012), energy conservation (Bator et al , 2014, 2019), equity-oriented parenting (Pluye et al , 2015, 2020), lead reduction (Khaliq et al , 2021), childhood obesity (Gadsby et al , 2020), policy development (Bryant et al , 2014), to biodiversity conservation (Thomas-Walters et al , 2020; Thomas‐Walters and Veríssimo, 2022).…”

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why can’t we be friends? Bridging the academic/practitioner gap in social marketing

Foote,

Sherring,

Rundle-Thiele

2023

JSOCM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose In this paper we (a pracademic, a practitioner, and an academic) aim to explore the academic/practitioner gap in social marketing and offer recommendations to close it, while amplifying existing examples of best practice from within the field. We also propose a research agenda to spur dialog and guide further investigations in this area. Insights from prior research, coupled with the co-authors’ experience and observations, indicate that a disconnect does exist between academia and practice within social marketing, though it is admittedly and unsurprisingly not uniform across contexts and disciplinary areas. Given social marketing’s identity as a practice-oriented field, there are many existing examples of academic/practitioner collaboration and the successful linkage of theory and practice that deserve to be amplified. However, the challenges associated with the very different systems and structures affecting both worlds mean the disconnect is problematic enough to warrant systematic change to ensure the two worlds are more aligned. Design/methodology/approach This paper (a pracademic, a practitioner and an academic) explores the academic/practitioner gap in social marketing and offer recommendations to close it, while amplifying existing examples of best practice from within the field. The authors also propose a research agenda to spur dialog and guide further investigations in this area. Findings The authors suggest five key reasons that focus should be placed upon closing the academic/practitioner gap in social marketing: demonstrating societal value by contributing to practice; embedding and developing theories in practice; adding to the social marketing literature; contributing to social marketing teaching; and communicating the value and effectiveness of social marketing. To close the gap, the authors propose specific recommendations within four broad areas: marketing the academia and practitioner collaboration offer; building ongoing relationships; creating collaborative partnerships; and changing the publishing model ensuring communications are accessible to all. They also suggest ways for social marketing associations and peak bodies to play a role. Originality/value The concept of a disconnect between academia and practice is by no means new; it has been a pervasive issue across disciplines for decades. However, this issue has not been the subject of much discussion within the social marketing literature. Recommendations outlined in this paper serve as a starting point for discussion. The authors also acknowledge that due to long standing “bright spots” in the field, numerous examples currently exist. They place an emphasis upon highlighting these examples while illuminating a path forward.

show abstract

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why can’t we be friends? Bridging the academic/practitioner gap in social marketing

Foote,

Sherring,

Rundle-Thiele

2023

JSOCM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Another relevant line of technology is serious games. These games are not intended to entertain but can play a prominent role in the process of informing, educating, and promoting behavior change in terms of environmental sustainability (Ong & Araral, 2022;Thomas-Walters & Veríssimo, 2022). According to studies, playing games can help people become more environmentally aware, foster eco-friendly attitudes, and encourage individuals to adopt pro-environmental behaviors (e.g., Dunn and Veríssimo, 2021;Orland et al, 2014).…”

Section: Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Games are able to do so because they provide a fun, engaging, and low-pressure environment where players can experiment with different actions and see the consequences of their choices. However, some empirical studies of serious games have found no significant impact on attitudes and behavior but a significant effect on learning (e.g., Thomas-Walters & Veríssimo, 2022). Thus, the advent of these persuasive technologies creates a new area for the research and application of social marketing programs that must be addressed in the near future.…”

Section: Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of social marketing in achieving the planet sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Rodríguez-Sánchez

2023

Int Rev Public Nonprofit Mark

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Changing the way citizens behave toward sustainability is essential to achieve the SDGs. Citizens can help create a more prosperous planet for future generations by making sustainable decisions and engaging in environmentally friendly behaviors. This position paper draws attention to how social marketing can encourage pro-environmental behavior conducive to achieving the environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) as part of the 2030 Agenda. The paper also offers critical analysis of earlier studies employing a social marketing approach to influence participants’ behavior in favor of environmental sustainability. Recommendations for social marketing practitioners and researchers are provided. These recommendations center on two issues: how to develop and implement successful environmental social marketing programs and how to use communication more effectively.

show abstract

Serious games for environmental education

Tan

Nurul‐Asna

2023

Integrative Conservation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Serious games are increasingly popular in multiple fields, including education and environmental engagement. We conducted a systematic review to examine the reasons for this increasing popularity, the features of successful serious games and the current trend of serious games application in environmental education. Our systematic search revealed 56 records of papers (from years 2009 to 2023) on the use of serious games for environmental education. Thirty-five were published in the recent 5 years reflecting a growing interest in this area. The games were aimed at imparting knowledge (N = 28), changing attitude (N = 28) and changing behaviour (N = 19). Reasons for the increased application of serious games include the raising awareness on serious games and growing investment in serious games development and research, as well as better technological access through mobile devices. Successful serious games exhibit the following features: an immersive experience, meaningful engagement, a learn-by-doing involvement, simulation of real-world environmental problems, autonomy in game decisions and the presence of a guiding host. This review also revealed two categories of digital serious games: computer games (N = 14) and mobile apps (N = 11), and three categories of physical games: board games (N = 6), card game (N = 1) and role-playing games (N = 2). The gaps include (1) the lack of in-game experience data that limits our understanding of the impacts of commercial games, (2) variation in game experience and conservation experience among participants and how this translates to the impacts of serious games, and (3) lack of understanding of how the effects of serious games with high complexities on adults learning. Serious games are increasingly being digitised and moving towards location-based games, alternate reality, augmented reality and virtual reality. These games can facilitate interaction between learners and the natural environment, and in turn strengthen environmental awareness and appreciation.

show abstract

Cross‐cultural mobile game evaluation shows improvement in environmental learning, but not behavior

Cited by 4 publications

References 36 publications

Why can’t we be friends? Bridging the academic/practitioner gap in social marketing

Why can’t we be friends? Bridging the academic/practitioner gap in social marketing

The role of social marketing in achieving the planet sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Serious games for environmental education

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About