The RPG Research Project consists of a series of multi-stage, multi-variable, multiblind, controlled studies following scientific principles. Its mission: to clearly establish through rigorous scientific testing the causal therapeutic and educational impact of role playing gaming on participants. It is hoped through the efforts of RPG Research that it will be possible to clearly define the specific causal therapeutic and educational aspects of participation in role playing gaming with the eventual possibility of developing effective educational and therapeutic modalities using role playing games.
The overall project is dedicated to ascertaining by means of the use of various scientific methods the therapeutic and educational aspects of role playing gaming. Approaches include cognitive, behavioral, biological, neurological, humanistic, sociological, and other relevant perspectives. Based on the analysis of the data gathered, potential therapeutic and educational modalities may become apparent. Therapeutic recreation techniques in conjunction with role playing gaming activities may be applicable in meeting client needs either as a standalone tool or to work in conjunction with other treatment modalities for various population groups.
The first stages of this project began in 1985, with an active revival in 2004 through interaction with various universities and organizations. The project has been advancing each year since. The project project founder, Hawke Robinson, first began formally researching the educational and social impacts of role playing games in 1985 in response to the barrage of negative press and public misinformation about role playing games popular in the 1980's, especially Dungeons & Dragons. Further development in consideration of broader psychosocial impacts from role playing games resumed with a series of essays written for the Therapeutic Recreation and other departments at Eastern Washington University beginning in 2004, followed by a number of successive documents and publications continuing to develop more detailed hypotheses, theses and series of research projects.
You can help! This project involves participation from individuals and organizations from around the world. The RPG Research website is intended to be a central repository where scientists, therapists, researchers and other professionals as well as media and laymen will be able to find all the information they need on this expansive topic.
If you are interested in participating in the RPG Research Project, you may fill out the online registration form at: http://www.rpgr.org/registration
