The Role of Epistemic Curiosity in Game-Based Learning: Distinguishing Skill Acquisition From Adaptation

Abstract

Background Videogames are emerging as increasingly popular tools for training complex skills, in part due to their potential for improving the transfer of learning to changing demands. One caveat is that training outcomes are primarily influenced by a learner’s capability and willingness to engage in adaptive learning processes. The present study examined the role of epistemic curiosity as a predisposition for seeking information and resolving gaps in knowledge. Method Using a game-based learning environment with strong cognitive and perceptual-motor demands, we tested the effects of interest- and deprivation-type epistemic curiosity on performance during skill acquisition and adaptation to unforeseen change. A task-change paradigm and piecewise latent trajectory model disentangled the effects on performance trajectories corresponding to skill acquisition and adaptation. Results Interest-type epistemic curiosity, but not deprivation-type, was positively related to baseline performance, even after controlling for cognitive ability and videogame experience. Moreover, the positive effect of interest-type epistemic curiosity on post-change performance (i.e., adaptation) was fully mediated by pre-change performance. Discussion These findings indicate that interest-type epistemic curiosity is particularly important in the earlier phases of learning, but explains little variability in adaptive performance beyond its direct influence on performance acquired prior to change. This research speaks to the roles of individual differences in cognition and motivation during game-based learning.

Dimensions, Measures, and Contexts in Psychological Investigations of Curiosity: A Scoping Review

“…Investigating curiosity in the context of leisure activities accounted for 26 (11%) articles. Contexts such as travelling, backpacking, and tourism (e.g., Chen & Hsu; Jani; Totsune et al) [ 58 , 59 , 60 ], gaming (e.g., Huck et al; Kim & Lee) [ 61 , 62 ], and social networking (e.g., Fang; Thomas & Vinuales) [ 63 , 64 ] fell under this umbrella term. Other leisure-based contexts that were less studied (compared to travelling, gaming, and social networking) included curiosity in music, virtual reality, nature, smoking, alcohol consumption, sports, visual arts, and noctcaelador (an attachment to the night sky) [ 26 , 28 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ].…”

Automated Evaluation of Game Experience based on Game Dynamics and Motives for Play

“…Curiosity, is one of the most powerful motives and, as such, is linked with many dynamics. It is a cognitive state that will lead players to explore the level to get new information about the state of the game, as well as to experiment new strategies in order to evaluate them [4,18,28]. For example, Know opponents' and items' position (dynamic 13) may be induced by curiosity and, at the same time, motivated by the need to apply a proper tactic to solve a specific situation.…”

Developing gamification e-quizzes based on an android app: the impact of asynchronous form

“…Therefore, it is difficult to find the task with the right level of pressure. On the other hand, stealth assessment gathers data without obstruction through the game achievements in the game and is free of such bias (Huck et al 2020 ).…”