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.