In case folks weren't aware, there is a long term project implementing a series of research studies on the therapeutic and educational causal aspects of role-playing gaming, attempting to establish CAUSALITY rather than just correlative data.
There have previously been about 90 research projects related to role-playing gaming and psycho-social impact, but they have been almost entirely metadata and/or correlative, or very small case studies, very few offer much in the way of causal information.
This project hopes to address the dearth of causal research on the effects of role-playing gaming.
So, as fellow RPGers, folks might want to swing by, check out some of the site, and post comments and questions here, and if you are so inclined to also spread the word. This project is being approached from the cognitive/behavioral paradigms using recreation therapy related methodologies for research.
Some of the research is performed online, other aspects are in person at various universities and private research facilities around Washington State and Northern Idaho. This is a non-commercial endeavor at this point. Mature discussions on the topic are welcomed.
The RPG Research site is at:
rpgr.org or rpgresearch.com
The research does include computer gaming (solo RPG, MMORPG, etc.), LARP, and especially tabletop RPGs in the research.
Enjoy!
Good luck with the project!
It's coming along bit by bit and steadily gaining momentum.
This month the PBS Idea Channel mentioned RPG Research: rpgr.org/news/pbs-idea-channel-mentions-...
Since then the rate of people registering to be included in the study has gone up considerably.
The site has been significantly updated since the last posting on this forum months ago, with a lot more detailed information now available. Plus regular updates onthe Twitter and Facebook pages now as well.
All gamers and non-gamers are encouraged to register to help increase the effectiveness of the study. The more participants the more useful the data becomes. This is a currently self-funded, non-commercial project, so it is appreciated if people can help spread the word.
Keep those dice rollin'!
-Hawke Robinson
RPG Research Project Founder
www.rpgr.org
Just an update, I will be speaking April 11th, 2015 at the Washington State Therapeutic Recreation Association 16th Annual Conference about using role-playing games for therapeutic and educational interventions from a therapeutic recreation perspective.
Here is more detail:
http://rpgresearch.com/blog/presenting-at-wstra-conference
My Topic: "Therapeutic and educational uses of role-playing games (RPG) as intervention modalities for individuals and groups from the Therapeutic Recreation perspective."
This covers all forms of role-playing games, tabletop, live-action, computer-based, and choose-your-own-adventure.
This is my first TR-related presentation to the TR professionals. My previous presentations have been at gamer-related communities.
Wish me luck!
Instructional Methods
Lecture, audience discussion participation, followed by Q&A discussion. Initial lecture with PowerPoint presentation and array of example RPG-related materials (dice, miniatures, maps, modules, books, etc.), interactive discussions and examples with audience participants, short interactive quiz (electronic and/or paper and pencil), followed by open audience Q&A.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, participant will:
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Identify and explain existing research indicating the benefits and risks of diversionary use of RPG in all major formats.
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Identify and explain examples of specific areas that non-adapted RPG can directly achieve TR-related client outcomes.
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Identify specific populations that can benefit from a TR-based RPG intervention program.
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Identify and illustrate examples of specific areas that applying TR methodologies to adapted RPG can achieve specific client outcomes.
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Specify areas still needing further research for future use of TR-based RPG.
Session Outline
Total 90 minutes session.
Segment (Minutes) - Description
1. (5) – Introduction.
2. (5) – Brief history of RPG.
3. (5) – Overview and explanation of key components of a role-playing game, and the differences in formats (tabletop, computer-based, LARP).
4. (5) - The myths about RPG.
5. (5) - Dispelling the inculcated myths with science.
6. (5) - Early correlative research regarding role-playing gamers, including published research from other disciplines using role-playing games for educational and therapeutic purposes. Some of the older research indicating strong correlations, but leaves questions of causality. Includes statistically significant aspects of regular role-playing gamers.
7. (5) - Findings of earlier research studies from other disciplines using RPG as intervention modality. Existing correlative and causal research.
8. (5) - Some current non-TR educational programs currently in place using RPG around the world.
9. (5) - Some current non-TR therapeutic programs currently in place using RPG around the world.
10. (10) – While none of the above approaches are currently using TR methodologies, this segment presents reason why TR seems an excellent match for adapted RPG for various interventions. This segment illustrates potential TR approaches to using adaptive RPG for specific clients, both individuals and/or groups.
11. (5) - “Show & Tell” examples of specific RPG-related materials
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Dice and other randomizing items
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Miniatures and related painting and assembly tools
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Battlemats and terrain
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Costumes for LARP
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Wheelchair adaptations for LARP
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Other related examples of RPG-related materials.
12. (10) - Examples of actual and proposed uses of RPG in a variety of TR settings.
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Autism spectrum toddlers
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Autism spectrum youth and adults
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Traumatic Brain Injury - RPG program plan overviews for TBI neuro-plasticity recovery process.
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At-risk teens cooperative social skills problem solving development
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PTSD
14. (5) – Interactive quiz (electronic and/or paper & pencil).
15. (15) - Summary and audience question and answer.
NCTRC Job Analysis Areas
Foundational Knowledge (FKW)