The Impact of Video Games on the Effectiveness of a Political Science Course
By Patricia Otero-Felipe and Athénaïs Marianne Sauvée, University of Burgos
This study, published in the Journal of Political Science Education, examines the use of video games in a Political Parties course at the University of Burgos, Spain. Using a randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-tests, students played either Onslaught Arena (action) or Infinite Mario (platform), both adapted to include identical political science content. Results show significant learning gains in both groups, but no differences between genres in knowledge acquisition. However, satisfaction varied: Infinite Mario was rated more positively. Findings highlight how game-based learning can enrich political science education, while student characteristics also shaped satisfaction.
The Journal of Political Science Education is an intellectually rigorous, path-breaking, agenda-setting journal that publishes the highest quality scholarship on teaching and pedagogical issues in political science. The journal aims to represent the full range of questions, issues and approaches regarding political science education, including teaching-related issues, methods and techniques, learning/teaching activities and devices, educational assessment in political science, graduate education, and curriculum development.