RPG Research Mentioned at PAX South 2016

Originally posted February 28th, 2016, 4:13 pm.

Hi there everyone, definitely check out this Q&A with Wheelhouse Workshop founder Adam Johns & Adam Davis!

Also many thanks kindly to Adam & Adam of Wheelhouse Workshop for the the kind mentions around 9:30 and later!

Be sure to go back to the beginning to catch the full session.

Sorry the site http://www.rpgresearch.com is difficult to navigate with so much content.

Definitely want to improve that, would welcome input on how to make it easier for folks.

There is actually quite a bit of correlative research on actual RPGs and participants, especially D&D, but not only D&D.

There is a fair amount of research on using specifically RPGs to achieve specific therapeutic and educational goals, the problem is that they are limited in duration, numbers, or scope, but there is definitely existing research from different disciplines on using tabletop, live-action, and computer-based RPGs: http://rpgresearch.com/documents/-list

There is too little controlled causal research, though quite a few case histories and small studies that may be causal. However, they need to be larger, more longitudinal, and with more controls.

I have run a few pilots and some month-to-year-long programs since 2004, some through Eastern Washington University, others through other facilities/clinics. Some increasingly using baseline assessment testing, mid-process assessment, exit assessment, and some months after participation assessment.

I'm not yet where I can publish the details of those, but working toward being able to share as much of that information as possible in coming years.

Several such programs are in the works right now, and several more on the horizon. Some of these past, present, and future programs include the following populations: ASD/PDD, AD/HD, at-risk youth, toddlers, youth, and adults, brain injury recovery, PTSD, the Deaf community, are just a few examples.

All with greatly useful information, and most very positive results, though some discovered caveats too.

Was great talking to you again in the G+ hangout with Jack, Sarah, and the others! Happy Gaming! - http://www.wheelhouse-workshop.com