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Dynamics of University Students' Epistemic Emotions during Game-Based Learning in an International Relations Course

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Title: Dynamics of University Students' Epistemic Emotions during Game-Based Learning in an International Relations Course
Language: English
Authors: Elina E. Ketonen (ORCID 0000-0002-9831-2023), Milla Kruskopf (ORCID 0000-0003-1036-0117), Kirsti Lonka (ORCID 0000-0001-5487-3964), Mikael Mattlin (ORCID 0000-0001-7784-4170)
Source: Instructional Science: An International Journal of the Learning Sciences. 2026 54(1).
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 28
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Students, Epistemology, Psychological Patterns, Cognitive Processes, Game Based Learning, International Relations, Courses, Learner Engagement, Individual Differences, Stress Management
DOI: 10.1007/s11251-025-09771-2
ISSN: 0020-4277
1573-1952
Abstract: Both cognitive and emotional factors are critical to engagement in game-based learning. However, few studies provide evidence of the influence of games on learning from an emotional perspective. Epistemic emotions like curiosity, surprise and confusion are especially relevant because they directly relate to the knowledge-related aspects of learning, cognitive processes and knowledge construction (e.g. Muis et al., 2015). The present study examined the epistemic emotions of political science students (N=22) in an international relations course utilising the board game Diplomacy to enhance the learning experience. Students' epistemic emotions were measured repeatedly after every course session and analysed using a processoriented intra-individual approach. The within-person analyses (N=212) showed that game sessions increased all epistemic emotions (curiosity, enjoyment, surprise, confusion, anxiety and frustration) except boredom compared to lectures. Moreover, during the course, curiosity, enjoyment, confusion and anxiety decreased, boredom increased, and surprise and frustration remained constant. However, the individual differences in these trajectories indicated that students reporting a decrease in anxiety, surprise and enjoyment achieved better learning outcomes than those exhibiting a more stable emotional trend. The findings suggest that students' epistemic emotions can be affected by instructional choices, such as the integration of game elements. Adding game features can trigger particularly positive activating emotions among students but can also provoke negative affect. Students who appeared to manage high pressure and uncertainty by controlling their anxiety levels also achieved better cognitive results, whereas pure enjoyment of the game did not guarantee positive learning outcomes. The uniqueness of individual emotional trajectories and their relationship to learning outcomes suggests that the conclusions based on the group-level findings are not applicable to all individuals.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1502687
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Dynamics of University Students' Epistemic Emotions during Game-Based Learning in an International Relations Course
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Elina+E%2E+Ketonen%22">Elina E. Ketonen</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9831-2023">0000-0002-9831-2023</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Milla+Kruskopf%22">Milla Kruskopf</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1036-0117">0000-0003-1036-0117</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kirsti+Lonka%22">Kirsti Lonka</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5487-3964">0000-0001-5487-3964</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mikael+Mattlin%22">Mikael Mattlin</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7784-4170">0000-0001-7784-4170</externalLink>)
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  Data: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
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  Data: 10.1007/s11251-025-09771-2
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  Data: 0020-4277<br />1573-1952
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  Data: Both cognitive and emotional factors are critical to engagement in game-based learning. However, few studies provide evidence of the influence of games on learning from an emotional perspective. Epistemic emotions like curiosity, surprise and confusion are especially relevant because they directly relate to the knowledge-related aspects of learning, cognitive processes and knowledge construction (e.g. Muis et al., 2015). The present study examined the epistemic emotions of political science students (N=22) in an international relations course utilising the board game Diplomacy to enhance the learning experience. Students' epistemic emotions were measured repeatedly after every course session and analysed using a processoriented intra-individual approach. The within-person analyses (N=212) showed that game sessions increased all epistemic emotions (curiosity, enjoyment, surprise, confusion, anxiety and frustration) except boredom compared to lectures. Moreover, during the course, curiosity, enjoyment, confusion and anxiety decreased, boredom increased, and surprise and frustration remained constant. However, the individual differences in these trajectories indicated that students reporting a decrease in anxiety, surprise and enjoyment achieved better learning outcomes than those exhibiting a more stable emotional trend. The findings suggest that students' epistemic emotions can be affected by instructional choices, such as the integration of game elements. Adding game features can trigger particularly positive activating emotions among students but can also provoke negative affect. Students who appeared to manage high pressure and uncertainty by controlling their anxiety levels also achieved better cognitive results, whereas pure enjoyment of the game did not guarantee positive learning outcomes. The uniqueness of individual emotional trajectories and their relationship to learning outcomes suggests that the conclusions based on the group-level findings are not applicable to all individuals.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1502687
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        Value: 10.1007/s11251-025-09771-2
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      – Text: English
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