Simulation game

This article deals with simulation games as a learning or therapy-oriented measure. For a meaning other than a board game see also conflict simulation ( board game) or as a computer game see simulation game (computer game) .

Simulation games or activities are more methods than games in the narrower sense: they create a realistic environment in which behavior can be tested. Often these games / activities are also used to start a (lesson) series. Simulation games / activities are suitable to generate concern / empathy or to put a group in a certain situation that they can otherwise only experience cognitively and not emotionally . A distinction is made between four functions (cf. Demmerle, Schmidt, Hess & Schneider, 2005):

• diagnostic function : how does a person behave in a certain function?
• Feedback function : A player receives feedback about behavior or its effect.
• Training function : new behaviors are tested and optimized.
• Perspective function : Players slip into other roles in order to be able to judge (social) situations from other perspectives (e.g. role reversal).

The most important representatives include

• Role play
• Case studies
• Simulation games

(see Demmerle, Schmidt, Hess & Schneider, 2005).

Simulation games are usually carried out in groups ( group games ), but case studies and business games can also be used in one-person settings.

literature

• C. Demmerle, JM Schmidt, M. Hess, P. Schneider: Mini-Techniques of Personnel Development. In: J. Ryschka, M. Solga, Axel Mattenklott (eds.): Praxishandbuch Personalentwicklung. Gabler, Wiesbaden 2005, ISBN 3-409-12746-1 .
• D. Herz, A. Blätte (Ed.): Simulation and business game in the social sciences. LIT, Münster 2000, ISBN 3-8258-4752-7 .

Web links

Wiktionary: Simulation game  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations