Research Tab

1. Introduction

In the Research tab, you have the ability to define your research variables, encompassing both independent and dependent variables, alongside formulating hypotheses. While completing this tab is not mandatory, it offers a structured way for you to methodically organize your gamified research.

2. Interface

Figure 1. The interface of the research Tab.

As shown in Figure 1, The interface consists of 4 parts: 

  • (1-3) Tabs where you can switch between creating independent variables, dependent variables, and hypothesis
  • (4-5) Introduction to these different components in the research tabs.
  • (6) Place where you create these different components.
  • (7) Place that shows the components you created.

3. Create Independent and Dependent Variables

Figure 2. The interface of creating (in)dependent variables.

If you click on “create new variable” in (6) introduced in Interface, or you click on the previous variables you defined in (7) in Interface, you will enter the interface shown in Figure 2. The (in)dependent variables have the following properties, which can be defined in (1) and (2). 

  • Variable Name: the name of the variable. 
  • Value Type: you can choose from different predefined value types, including integer, decimal, text, and true/false. 
  • Level Type: you can choose from different predefined level types (restricted by the value type you choose), including category, ordered, and measurable. After you choose the level type, you can further define the type you choose in (2).

After you create the variables, you:

  • Must click (3) to submit to save the variable you create. The saved variable will be shown in (7) introduced in Interface.
  • Can click (2), a trash can, to delete the variable you select in (7) introduced in Interface.
  • Can use this variable in the Scriptor tab.

4. Create Hypothesis

Figure 3. The interface of creating hypotheses.
If you click on “ADD HYPOTHESIS” in (6) introduced in section 2 on the “HYPOTHESES” tab, you will enter the interface shown in Figure 3. In (1), the you can choose to:
  • Edit the hypothesis by entering text in the white input bar.
  • Delete the hypothesis by clicking on the trash can at the right bottom of the input bar.
  • Add a new hypothesis by clicking on the “ADD HYPOTHESIS”.
Currently, the Creating Hypothesis tab does not have any actual functions besides helping you record your thoughts.

5. Q&A

Q1. Why should I create research variables?

StudyCrafter logs all variables and player choices throughout the game, providing a structured way to collect and analyze user data. While creating research variables is not necessary, it significantly enhances tracking and allows users to better shape their studies. By defining key variables, researchers can monitor participant behavior, control experimental conditions, and personalize gameplay experiences. This flexibility enables more precise data collection, deeper insights, and greater control over study design, ultimately improving the reliability and effectiveness of interactive research experiments.

Q2. What are the value types and level types?

Please check “Variables” under “Scriptor Tab” in Onboarding.

Q3. How can I use the research variables?

Please check “Variables” under “Scriptor Tab” in Onboarding.

Q4. Where can I find the experiment results?

Please check “Data Collection” part in Quick Start Video.