Communication Variables Appropriate to Gaming and Simulation.

This paper discusses potential uses for simulations and games in communication research and instruction. For research purposes, simulations can be used for increasing coherence within and among theories and for consolidating knowledge. As operational models for the study of interpersonal communication, simulations enable and facilitate the study of certain communication variables under dynamic development. The author cites the variables--commitment, concession, deterrence, threat, promise, and brinkmanship--which benefit most from investigation under dynamic development. In the classroom, simulations can be used to clarify cause-effect relationships. The direct consequence and almost instantaneous feedback characteristics of simulation techniques have great potential for demonstrating concepts which require actual experience. The author cautions against indiscriminate use of "packaged" games and simulations for instructional purposes. Many of the available "packages" unfortunately lack any relation to theory and are for all practical purposes useless. (LG)