mlsanityData to 7 Oct 2026

Designing and Evaluating Malinowski's Lens: An AI-Native Educational Game for Ethnographic Learning

arXiv 2511.07682 ↗First posted 10 Nov 2025cs.HC cs.AIcited by 0

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Abstract (arXiv)

This study introduces 'Malinowski's Lens', the first AI-native educational game for anthropology that transforms Bronislaw Malinowski's 'Argonauts of the Western Pacific' (1922) into an interactive learning experience. The system combines Retrieval-Augmented Generation with DALL-E 3 text-to-image generation, creating consistent VGA-style visuals as players embody Malinowski during his Trobriand Islands fieldwork (1915-1918). To address ethical concerns, indigenous peoples appear as silhouettes while Malinowski is detailed, prompting reflection on anthropological representation. Two validation studies confirmed effectiveness: Study 1 with 10 non-specialists showed strong learning outcomes (average quiz score 7.5/10) and excellent usability (SUS: 83/100). Study 2 with 4 expert anthropologists confirmed pedagogical value, with one senior researcher discovering "new aspects" of Malinowski's work through gameplay. The findings demonstrate that AI-driven educational games can effectively convey complex anthropological concepts while sparking disciplinary curiosity. This study advances AI-native educational game design and provides a replicable model for transforming academic texts into engaging interactive experiences.

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References · 10

  1. 2020Retrieval-Augmented Generation for Knowledge-Intensive NLP Taskscited by 9,160
  2. 2023Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behaviorcited by 3,500
  3. 2024Large Language Models and Games: A Survey and Roadmapcited by 91
  4. 2023'Person' == Light-skinned, Western Man, and Sexualization of Women of Color: Stereotypes in Stable Diffusioncited by 33
  5. 2024GPT for Games: A Scoping Review (2020-2023)cited by 10
  6. 2025Drama Llama: An LLM-Powered Storylets Framework for Authorable Responsiveness in Interactive Narrativecited by 7
  7. 2025"I Like Your Story!": A Co-Creative Story-Crafting Game with a Persona-Driven Character Based on Generative AIcited by 4
  8. 2024The Potential and Implications of Generative AI on HCI Educationcited by 3
  9. 2024Can AI Prompt Humans? Multimodal Agents Prompt Players' Game Actions and Show Consequences to Raise Sustainability Awarenesscited by 3
  10. 2024Malinowski in the Age of AI: Can large language models create a text game based on an anthropological classic?cited by 1

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