Analyzing the Impact of a Localized Political Simulation on Participants' Self-Efficacy and Interest

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Innovations and Possibilities in Social Studies Instruction (Table 23)

Abstract

We designed a simulation (Persuade) to engage high school students in current, controversial, political issues by placing them in the role of a political communications consultant so they understand the role of media in politics. Persuade is designed by applying Shaffer’s (2006) concept of the epistemic frame and engages students in public policy issues at the state and local level. We were interested in the effect of participation in Persuade on students’ self-efficacy and interest for civic engagement. Using a Bayesian analytic approach, we found that students (n=20) evinced gains in self-efficacy with a median effect size of 1.1, but no gains in interest. Qualitative data provided clues for the features of Persuade that were compelling for students.

Authors

• Jason A. Chen, College of William & Mary

• Michael Shane Tutwiler, University of Rhode Island

• Jais Brohinsky, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Derek Behnke, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Jeremy D. Stoddard, University of Wisconsin - Madison