Keywords

video games, cognitive biases, training, bias mitigation, instructional testing

Abstract

Heuristics can interfere with information processing and hinder decision-making when more systematic processes that might lead to better decisions are ignored. Based on the heuristic-systematic model (HSM) of information processing, a serious training game (called MACBETH) was designed to address and mitigate cognitive biases that interfere with the analysis of evidence and the generation of hypotheses. Two biases are the focus of this paper—fundamental attribution error and confirmation bias. The efficacy of the serious game on knowledge and mitigation of biases was examined using an experiment in which participants (N = 703) either played the MACBETH game or watched an instructional video about the biases. Results demonstrate the game to be more effective than the video at mitigating cognitive biases when explicit training methods are combined with repetitive play. Moreover, explicit instruction within the game provided greater familiarity and knowledge of the biases relative to implicit instruction. Suggestions for game development for purposes of enhancing cognitive processing and bias mitigation based on the MACBETH game design are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Dunbar, N. E., Miller, C. H., Adame, B. J., Elizondo, J., Wilson, S. N., Lane, B. L., Kauffmane, A. A., Bessarabova, E., Jensen, M. L., Straub, S. K., Lee, Y., Burgoon, J. K., Valacich, J. J., Jenkins, J. L., Zhang, J. (2014) “Implicit and Explicit Training in the Mitigation of Cognitive Bias Through the Use of a Serious Game” Computers in Human Behavior, 37 (1), pp. 307-318.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014

Publisher

Computers in Human Behavior

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Information Systems Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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