| Title | Exploring the impact of avatar types and avatar customization on STEM attitudes and motivation to play online STEM games |
| Presenter(s) | Leticia Cherchiglia, Rabindra Ratan, Rachel Stacey, Harrison Sanders, Will Renius, Amanda Klug, Samantha Oldenburg and Tom Day |
| Session | Conference Reception, Game Exhibition, and Poster Session |
| Time | Thursday, October 20, 7:00p-10:00p |
| Location | MSU Union Ballroom |
| Format | Poster Presentation |
| Description | This study explores how avatar aspects may impact STEM attitudes (STEM interest and STEM-learning self-efficacy) and the motivation to play online STEM games. We expected that positive effects on the dependent variables would be stronger when participants were using a science-related avatar (instead of a shape-related avatar), especially when this avatar could be customized (instead of simply assigned). Results have shown so far that there is no significant difference between avatar groups in terms of impact on STEM attitudes, although change in customization for the shape-related avatar group led to change in non-STEM self-efficacy. We expect to finish data analysis regarding motivation to play online STEM Games in time for the presentation at Meaningful Play. |
