Development and Psychometric Testing of a Video-gamified Assessment of Prosocial Behavior: vSchool

• In Event: Early Learning and Development: Tools, Contexts, and Outcomes

Abstract

The present study describes the development and psychometric properties of vSchool, a VR game-based assessment of prosocial behavior for 4th-6th grade students developed in partnership by experts in prosocial behavior and game development. Participants in a field test of vSchool were 1,044 elementary and middle school students in 73 classrooms. The sample was evenly distributed by gender, though school districts were majority White. Item-level statistics were used to refine the scale to 29 items distributed across prosocial behavior types. Results from the final nested logit item response theory (IRT) model indicated excellent approximate fit to the sample data. vSchool may fill a critical gap in the educational landscape by serving as an engaging assessment of student social and emotional well-being.

Authors

• Joy Roos, University of Missouri

• Christi Crosby Bergin, University of Missouri

• Wes Bonifay, University of Missouri

• Nathanael Light, University of Missouri

• Afiah Fozi, University of Missouri

• JG Griffin, University of Missouri