Field Theory and Working With Group Dynamics in Debriefing

Kristina Hermann

Simulation & Gaming, 2015, vol. 46, issue 2, 209-220

Abstract: Purpose . The purpose of this article is to show how the group-dynamic approach , as developed by the social psychologist Kurt Lewin in his field theory , deepens learning during the debriefing phase. Design/Methodology/Approach . This article offers insight into Lewin’s field theory and its main principles for social learning within groups by addressing the group dynamics of simulation and gaming. We discuss the potential gains of using emerging group dynamics , and present concrete methodological suggestions. Findings . Seen from a systemic-constructivist view , group conflicts often mirror those in organizational, contextual, or social settings. These conflicts and contradictions can be made visible through emotions. Connecting emotions and simulation dynamics makes the insights for participants more relevant and easily transferable to real life situations. Limitations/Implications . Lewin’s ideas have spread widely, and many researchers have worked to develop them further. Lewin’s thoughts seem to be integral to Simulation & Gaming , although links to his work are not often cited or mentioned explicitly. Despite his theory’s apparent impact on much of gaming and simulation, many gamers still fail to integrate principles of group dynamics in game and debriefing design. Originality/Value . Group dynamic s during simulations are often close to real life experiences and can be very demanding. Facilitators may link group dynamics to the content of the simulation, thereby deepening social learning and the understanding of complex systems .

Keywords: debriefing; field theory; gaming; group dynamics; social learning; system approach; team conflicts; emotions; systemic-constructivist approach; simulation; group; Lewin; systems dynamics; complexity; facilitation; T-group; action learning; process-orientation; behavioral change; self-regulation; emergent interaction; reflection-in-action (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1046878115596100 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:simgam:v:46:y:2015:i:2:p:209-220

DOI: 10.1177/1046878115596100

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Simulation & Gaming
Bibliographic data for series maintained by SAGE Publications ().