NEWM-N 132 Game Design Psychology: Theory and Prototyping
3 credits
- Prerequisite(s): None
- Delivery: On-Campus
Description
This course explores the application of cognitive psychology and theories of learning and motivation to the design and prototyping of games. Students learn how to create games that are fun to play, and evaluate and improve games that may not be, based on psychological concepts, theories, and findings.
This course is approved for the Social Sciences component of the General Education core.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts, theories, and findings of psychology, including perception, attention, and memory, in the context of games.
- Explain descriptive theories of human problem solving and decision-making.
- Discuss formal game elements that can be used to increase cognitive flow during gameplay.
- Compare and contrast operant conditioning and self-determination theory as they apply to videogames and social network games.
- Relate individual differences (e.g., age, gender, education) to gameplay efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction.
- Discuss the relation between psychology and ethics in game design.
- Conceptualize and prototype games by using formal and dramatic game elements motivated by psychological theories.
- Evaluate games by applying research methods from psychology and human factors.
Policies and Procedures
Please be aware of the following linked policies and procedures. Note that in individual courses instructors will have stipulations specific to their course.