Collaborative Research: Development and Evaluation of a Natural Hazard Interactive Laboratory for Improving Decision Making

项目摘要这项工作考察了一个充分发展的基于计算机的交互式角色扮演实验室对基于科学数据的决策的影响。我们以前的研究表明，火山喷发是一种角色扮演模拟火山灾害，它使用一种结合了认知科学方法的创新评估战略，对决策产生了影响。这项工作还使我们能够确定具体的设计原则，影响更高层次的思维，并提高计算机辅助教学实验室的效率。将这些原则融入到全面实施的爆发中将增加其对更高层次认知技能的影响，如决策、解决问题和批判性分析。完成的实施和一致的评估将进一步揭示教育练习与更高层次的批判性思维技能之间的关系。这项工作还将进一步完善我们基于认知科学的评估方法。通过创建教育影响的客观衡量标准，我们可以确定特定的设计原则，以增加接触到数学和科学背景较差的学生群体和/或那些在科学领域传统上代表不足的学生的可能性。

PROJECT ABSTRACT This work examines the impact of a fully developed interactive computer-based role-playing laboratory on decision making based on scientific data. Our previous studies showed the "proof of concept" of Eruption, a role-playing simulation of a volcanic hazard, and its impact on decision making using an innovative evaluation strategy that incorporates cognitive science methodologies. This work also allowed us to identify specific design principles that impact higher-order thinking and increase the effectiveness of CAI laboratories. Incorporation of these principles into the fully implemented Eruption will increase its impact on higher-order cognitive skills such as decision making, problem solving, and critical analysis. The completed implementation and coincident assessment will further inform the relationship between educational exercises and higher-order critical thinking skills. This work will also allow further refinement of our cognitive science based assessment methodology. By creating an objective measure of educational impact, we can identify specific design principles that increase the potential for reaching student populations with weaker math and science backgrounds and/or those traditionally under-represented in the sciences