An Empirical Experiment of the Theory of Change Game

What Difference Does It Make

Bibliographic Data

ID21629922
AuthorsCatarina Isidoro (0000-0003-4598-5870, MED – Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, and Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal, corresponding author), Ma Helena Guimarães (0000-0002-6904-3696, University of Évora), Helena Guimarães (MED – Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, and Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal)
Year2025
Volume56
Issue5
Pages477-498
Publication date2025-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSimulation & Gaming (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1046-8781 • E-ISSN: 1552-826X
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10468781251339715
OpenAlexW4411650001
LanguageEN
References cited26

Introduction The Theory of Change (ToC) is a recognized approach in transdisciplinarity to facilitate transformative learning processes. When coupled with a Serious Games (SGs) structure, effective tools for navigating sustainability transitions can be develop. This can be the case for the Theory of Change Game (ToCG) that we use in a particular real-word context. Intervention This study aimed to track the impact of ToCG versus other tools. A workshop was designed with 23 participants to plan the future of Tertúlias do Montado, a long-term initiative focused on the sustainability of the Montado silvo-pastoral system. Method In this experimental setup, participants alternated between the ToCG and two other tools. Discussion content and participant preferences were analyzed, allowing for a comparison between ToCG-based tools and those without ToCG principles. Results Results indicate that the ToCG facilitated an in-depth discussion where the societal problem of Montado’s decline, and the initiative’s primary goal were discussed. In the remaining tools these aspects were taken from granted without reflective examination. Additionally, the circular structure of the ToCG encouraged comprehensive discourse, steering participants away from simplistic or immediate solutions to complex problems. All tools received positive evaluations while the ToCG was particularly noted for introducing a novel concept and enabling visual exploration of diverse perspectives. Some participants, however, found its rules ambiguous and noted monotony after multiple rounds. To the best of our knowledge, this experimental design is new as well as its application in a real-world context. Discussion and Conclusion The distinctiveness of ToCG was evident in the quality of discussions and the resources required for its implementation, especially facilitator training. In contrast, the other tools required minimal preparation and could be applied without specialized facilitation. Therefore, ToCG is particularly valuable in contexts where deep reflection is essential, whereas simpler tools may sufficient in more operational settings

Economics · Empirical research · Game theory · Mathematical economics · Statistics · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Management and Organizational Studies · Mathematics · Psychology · Social Capital and Networks

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access