Master Collouium Ilayda Hotamış (M-EST) - Exploring the Integration of Serious Games in High-Stakes Assessments: Evaluating the Role of the Multidimensionality of Engagement on Performance Outcomes

Speaker  

: 

Ilayda Hotamış 

Title 

: 

Exploring the Integration of Serious Games in High-Stakes Assessments: Evaluating the Role of the Multidimensionality of  Engagement on Performance Outcomes 

Abstract 

: 

Traditional high-stakes assessments play a crucial role in academic and professional environments but are often criticised for their lack of ecological validity and inability to assess higher-order cognitive skills. Serious games (SGs) within game-based assessments (GBAs) offer a more engaging alternative by embedding assessment into interactive gameplay. Engagement, consisting out of behavioural, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions, plays a key role in performance but remains underexplored in high-stakes game-based settings. This study examines the relationship between engagement and performance in two serious game environments, Crossroads and Crusade, using log data and self-reported engagement measures from final-year BOA students. Findings suggest that higher behavioural and cognitive engagement lead to better decision-making, while emotional engagement plays a smaller role. Differences in game environments also affect engagement-driven performance. While SGs enhance engagement and assessment validity, prior digital experience may impact fairness, raising considerations for future GBA design. 

Date 

: 

March 28, 2025 

Time 

: 

16:00 hrs. 

Building/Room 

: 

Ravelijn 2237 

Graduation     Committee      

: 

dr. Erik Roelofs 

dr. Johannes Steinrücke