A Role-Switching Mechanic for Reflective Decision-Making Game

This research introduces a design methodology for serious games aimed at enhancing player reflexivity regarding decision-making processes. The core thesis posits that a role-switching mechanic, where players alternate between an investigator role and a game leader role, allows individuals to better understand their own cognitive biases. By experiencing both the decision-making side and the manipulative side of a scenario, players can gain a meta-perspective on how their judgments are formed and influenced.

The methodology focuses specifically on inducing and identifying overconfidence, a common cognitive bias in management and gaming. The game design utilizes cognitive science principles—such as anchoring and confirmation bias—to create mechanics that steer players toward overconfident behavior. In the proposed system, the investigator gathers clues to solve criminal cases, while the game leader controls the flow of information to subtly influence the investigator’s judgment. After several rounds, the players swap roles, enabling them to observe how their own previous decisions were manipulated and to reflect on their decision-making strategies.

Evaluation of this approach relies on two primary metrics: credence calculation to measure the investigator's confidence levels and a calibration score to assess the accuracy of the player's self-evaluation. By comparing these scores before and after role-switching, the system quantifies the evolution of the player's reflexive stance. The research is currently being applied to a prototype for use in management training at the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts in Paris. This work provides a framework for transforming traditional decision-making training into a more reflexive, interactive experience that highlights the heuristics and biases inherent in human judgment.