Can the Use of a Computer Simulation Game Enhance Mechanical Reasoning Ability: an Exploratory Study

This exploratory study sought to discover if transition year students interacting with the computer simulation game “The Incredible Machine” could enhance their mechanical reasoning abilities. Related research suggests many educational benefits of computer simulation games. Students worked as groups of 3 or 4 in a collaborative environment. The study followed the structure of a pre-test/post-test control group design. Mechanical reasoning ability was measured using the Differential Aptitude Test for Guidance. An analysis of pre-test and post-test results revealed no significant improvement between the experimental group and the control group. However interesting gender differences were discovered. Significant differences in favour of male participants were discovered in the t-test analysis of both pre-test raw scores and post-test raw scores. No significant difference in the amount of improvement made by males and females in the experimental group was revealed. Observation, together with student feedback provided some evidence of differing pattern of mouse usage, reactions to the game, interactional styles, and strategies used by the groups. Recommendations for further research studies are made.