Understanding the Impacts of Storytelling and Player Perspective on Learning Outcomes: The Mediating Roles of Engagements

Abstract

This study leverages the framework of game-based learning to investigate the effects of storytelling and player perspective on learning outcomes of perceived learning effectiveness and performance. The study also explores the potential mediating roles of four distinct types of engagement: behavioral, cognitive, affective, and social. A 2*2 + 1 between-subjects experiment (linear versus nonlinear storytelling * first-person versus third-person perspective + non-game-based learning) is employed to investigate the impacts of these factors on learning outcomes. The results reveal a significant increase in perceived learning effectiveness and performance when game elements are added. Contrary to expectations, linear storytelling and third-person perspective have significantly higher positive impacts on learning outcomes compared to nonlinear storytelling and first-person perspective. The four types of engagement significantly mediate the relationships between storytelling, player perspective, and learning outcomes, indicating that the four types of engagement play critical roles in explaining the effect mechanism. The study sheds light on the theoretical and practical implications of these results.

Keywords:

• Game-based learning
• storytelling
• player perspective
• engagement
• learning outcomes

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [72004139], the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality [20ZR1454500].

Notes on contributors

Shanshan Shang

Shanshan Shang is an associate professor of the School of Business and Management at Shanghai International Studies University, China. Her research interests include online-learning, educational technology, and knowledge management.

Nana Ni

Nana Ni is a graduate student of the School of Business and Management at Shanghai International Studies University, China.