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Simulation & Gaming, Vol. 36, No. 3, 364-382 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1046878105279116
© 2005 SAGE Publications

Enhancing environmental awareness: Ecological and economic effects of food consumption

Ralf Hansmann

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, hansmann{at}env.ethz.ch

Roland W. Scholz

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, scholz{at}env.ethz.ch

Carl-Johan A. C. Francke

Sustainable Asset Management, carl-johan.francke{at}gmx.net

Martin Weymann

Swiss Reinsurance Company, martin.weymann{at}gmx.ch

The authors developed SIMULME, an Internet-based simulation game of the environmental and economic consequences of food consumption, to improve environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals. The game was first applied with 215 pupils divided into 12 classes. Six classes were taught the consequences of food consumption using the learning game (experimental condition) and 6 using a standard lecture (control condition). Positive changes in environmental attitudes concerning nutrition behavior were more marked in the experimental than in the control condition. An additional experiment tested the game’s effects on subsequent buying behavior. After playing the game (experimental) or not (control), participants entered the nutrition section of the online shop of the Swiss retailer Coop with the possibility of winning a purchase worth CHF 40. The consumption pattern of those who played SIMULME was ecologically more positive than that of the control participants. Aspects of game validity and game design are discussed with respect to the effectiveness of games for environmental education.

Key Words: attitudes • consumption pattern • ecological simulation • environmental behavior • environmental education • food consumption • game design • gaming research • feedback learning • nutrition • simulation game


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