24th Annual Student Research Conference
A Study of Humans vs. Zombies and Motivation
Seth D. Yockey*, Michaela M. Hoffman, Kyle Reinsfelder, William R. Adkins, Dylan M. Salata, Margaret R. Young, Katherine D. Klebenow, Christine R. Bowles, and Nicole B. Siman
Prof. Sal Costa, Faculty Mentor
This study examined what motivates undergraduate college students to participate in the popular game Humans vs. Zombies. No prior research has addressed the game's appeal. A survey was created and sent out to participants of the game in the Fall 2010 semester via email, with the purpose of measuring motivational needs and level of participation. This included Heckert's Needs Assessment Scale and questions concerning involvement, such as attendance and time invested. It was hypothesized that the needs of dominance and achievement would be positively correlated with player participation. Non-Parametric statistics were used, given the nature of the data. The only significant finding was a weak, negative correlation between participation and the need for achievement (ρ= -.337, p-value= .005). Some results were near enough to significant to warrant further research into the topic.
Keywords: Humans vs. Zombies, HvZ, Motivation, Needs, Sports
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 11-3
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 4:30