DHSS 2020 Call For Papers

Simulations as tools to develop intuitive contextual sensitivity, re-framing and mental agility

Track Description

The use of simulations and serious games have been so far mostly related to training of mechanical stimulus response skills (i.e. shoot / don't shoot) or to the 'reproduction' of cultural issues in order to create a stimulus response phenomenon in the user. We suggest a more sophisticated employment of technology, one that exploits the potential of simulations in representing scenarios' richness and complexity to be used to train cognitive capabilities and stimulate brain plasticity. In other words, we suggest that simulations should be used to challenge the user and train to 'think better/be smarter' rather than for providing answers on what to do, which in turn leads the user to think less and listen to the tool more. Through tailor made vignettes and exercises, carefully studied according to the effects that want to be achieved, the users' mental models are challenged and stretched. We believe that the key issue for developing effective training is not 'reproducing reality according to fidelity, which is centred around the engineer or researcher’s view of development,'. Rather, the key suggested here is the establishment of cognitive authenticity, achieved through the presentation of rich and complex problems that the users must 'detangle' in order to make sense of the situation.

For further information please contact Claudia Baisini.

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