A Game to Improve Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning Skill in undergraduates

Abstract

In this paper we describe sequence of steps taken during the different phases of design based research (DBR) while developing murder mystery game intended to teach hypothetico-deductive reasoning (HDR). Murder mystery game is a collection of sequential activities which aims at solving mystery. The underlying principle behind different activities is to teach HDR. In the first phase of DBR students were assessed through questions in three different context i.e. murder mystery, determining genotype of a pea plant and crashing Firefox. Difficulties faced by students during HDR were identified by analysis of results of first phase and inputs from literature. This fed into next phase of designing an intervention. In the next phase students' interacted with the intervention. Feedback from students through analysis of survey after interaction with intervention gives an insight into a number of user interface issues which is to be addressed in the next cycle of DBR.