Playing Is Believing: Teaching How Electoral Systems Change Political Outcomes Using a Role-Playing Simulation Game
Sohei Shigemura,
Jaehyun Song, Keisuke Tani, and
Yuki Yanai
Japanese Political Science Review, vol.4: pp.117-143.
(2018)
Abstract
In this paper we propose a new role-playing game to teach the effects of electoral systems on politicians' preferences and behavior. Because the electoral system is of great importance as a cause of various political outcomes, we political scientists should make sure that students understand what it is and why it could have a consequential impact on politics. However, we often fail to effectively teach the importance of the electoral system because of weaknesses in the traditional, didactic teaching methods. To improve political science education, we have developed a game in which students can learn how electoral systems affect politicians' behavior by playing the role of an electoral candidate. Our experiment shows that the game could be effective supporting material for lectures on the impact of electoral systems. Our game serves as an addition to the repertoire of active-learning in political science.