Defining perplexity and reflective thinking in a game-based learning environment

What is it about?

This study provides a theoretical understanding of how players experience in-game challenges via the lens of perplexity and reflective thinking. This study provides a novel analytical lens to understand players’ interaction with in-game challenges and their approaches to resolving it. We found in-game moments of perplexity encourage players to reflect on their in-game actions which can lead to opportunities for learning. Our work shows that there is a potential value in inducing perplexity mechanics in games to encourage players to interact with the information provided in the game. We hope this work inspires game-based educators to employ the lens of perplexity and reflective thinking to examine game elements and students’ emergent learning experiences within gameplay.

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