Data_Sheet_1_Exploring the potential of using simulation games for engaging with sheep farmers about lameness recognition.docx

IntroductionComputer simulation games are increasingly being used in agriculture as a promising tool to study, support and influence real-life farming practices. We explored the potential of using simulation games to engage with sheep farmers on the ongoing challenge of reducing lameness. Working with UK stakeholders, we developed a game in which players are challenged with identifying all the lame sheep in a simulated flock. Here, we evaluate the game's potential to act as a tool to help assess, train and understand farmers' ability to recognize the early signs of lameness.
MethodsParticipants in the UK were invited to play the game in an online study, sharing with us their in-game scores alongside information relating to their real-life farming experience, how they played the game, and feedback on the game. Mixed methods were used to analyze this information in order to evaluate the game. Quantitative analyses consisted of linear modeling to test for statistical relationships between participants' in-game recall (% of the total number of lame sheep that were marked as lame), and the additional information they provided. Qualitative analyses of participants' feedback on the game consisted of thematic analysis and a Likert Scale questionnaire to contextualize the quantitative results and identify additional insights from the study.
ResultsQuantitative analyses identified no relationships between participants' (n = 63) recall scores and their real life farming experience, or the lameness signs they looked for when playing the game. The only relationship identified was a relationship between participants' recall score and time spent playing the game. Qualitative analyses identified that participants did not find the game sufficiently realistic or engaging, though several enjoyed playing it and saw potential for future development. Qualitative analyses also identified several interesting and less-expected insights about real-life lameness recognition practices that participants shared after playing the game.
DiscussionSimulation games have potential as a tool in livestock husbandry education and research, but achieving the desired levels of realism and/or engagingness may be an obstacle to realizing this. Future research should explore this potential further, aided by larger budgets and closer collaboration with farmers, stockpeople, and veterinarians.

引言
计算机模拟游戏在农业领域的应用日益广泛，作为一种极具前景的工具，可用于研究、支撑乃至干预现实农业生产实践。本研究围绕减少跛行这一持续存在的养殖难题，探索了利用模拟游戏与养羊农户开展互动的潜力。我们联合英国相关利益方开发了一款游戏，玩家需在模拟羊群中找出所有跛行的绵羊。本研究旨在评估该游戏作为工具的应用潜力，以辅助评估、培训并增进农户识别跛行早期症状的能力。

研究方法
本研究通过线上平台邀请英国参与者参与游戏体验，收集玩家的游戏内得分数据，同时收集其真实养殖经历、游戏游玩方式以及对游戏的反馈等相关信息。为评估该游戏的应用价值，本研究采用混合研究方法对收集到的信息进行分析。定量分析部分采用线性模型，检验参与者的游戏内识别正确率（即标记为跛行的绵羊占总跛羊数的百分比）与所提供的其他信息之间的统计相关性。针对参与者的游戏反馈所开展的定性分析，则采用主题分析法与李克特量表（Likert Scale）问卷，以定量结果为背景开展分析，并挖掘研究中额外获得的发现。

研究结果
定量分析结果显示，63名参与者的游戏内识别正确率与其真实养殖经历、游戏中关注的跛行症状均无显著相关性。唯一检出的相关性为识别正确率与游戏游玩时长之间的关联。定性分析结果表明，多数参与者认为该游戏的真实感与沉浸感不足，但仍有部分玩家享受游戏过程，并认可其后续开发潜力。此外，定性分析还获取了多项有趣且超出预期的发现，内容围绕参与者在游戏体验后分享的真实跛行识别实践经验。

讨论
模拟游戏在畜禽养殖教育与研究领域具备应用潜力，但达成理想的真实感与沉浸感可能是实现该潜力的一大障碍。未来研究可借助更充足的预算，加强与农户、养殖管理人员及兽医的合作，进一步挖掘该类游戏的应用价值。