Gamification: Engagement and Memory Retention against a Standard vs. Competition against Others

Abstract

This study examined the element of competition in gamification, specifically if competing against others or against a standard was better for memory retention of material. Participants read a passage and played a board game with questions based on the reading. They were placed in either a condition to compete against others or against a standard. Next, they were asked about their experience and given a test to assess their memory of the material. The type of competition was not found to impact memory retention or engagement; however, immersion was positively correlated with performance. Future research should further examine engagement and learning activities to promote memory retention.