Emotional Engagement and Active Learning in a Marketing Simulation: A Review and Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper considers the role of emotional engagement during the use of a simulation. This is placed in the context of learning about marketing. The literature highlights questions of engagement and interactivity that are entailed in the use of these simulations. It is observed here that both the anticipation of and the process of engagement with the simulation generate emotional responses. The evidence of emotional anticipation was collected through the use of vignettes and a short survey. The production of negative emotions before and after the activity was observed and considered. The particular occurrence of these emotions on the development of understanding is then discussed. There is general evidence for the mundane reality of such simulations that support learning and group engagement. The connection with activity theory was explored and proposed as a potential theoretical fit with the evidence.