Originally published by the Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine
Authors: Kamilya Salibayeva, Alexander Thorpe, Luke French, Zachary P. Fry, Hajime Inoue, Robert Forties, Emma Hewlett, Scott Brown and Ami Eidels
Abstract: This study presents the development and evaluation of an interactive web application as a didactic platform to enhance critical thinking. Our work builds on iterative human-subject experiments optimizing interface designs for classic human factors psychology tasks, particularly the near-miss effect. By refining the interface, we elicited more authentic bias-driven behaviours in naïve participants. We extend this approach beyond bias investigation, exploring the pedagogical potential of a gamified, fallacy-driven experience. By modifying our previously “blinded” design and embedding educational components, we expose users to realworld cognitive biases through an interactive interface resembling a web-based slot machine. Participants encounter bias-driven scenarios while engaging with counteractive strategies in real-time, reinforcing resistance to manipulative tactics. We integrate targeted educational content throughout the application, providing contextual explanations and reflections on cognitive biases. This design maintains high ecological validity, ensuring users engage with biases as they naturally occur in decision-making contexts. Our approach advances pedagogical methodologies while offering practical applications for mitigating irrational decision-making. Preliminary findings indicate that participants exposed to integrated educational content exhibit increased resistance to fallacy-induced decision-making. Such interactive learning experiences can foster informed decision-making, with implications for cybersecurity training and broader behavioural interventions. This study contributes to research at the intersection of cybersecurity, human factors, and psychological health by showcasing how gamified, didactic tools can empower individuals to recognize and mitigate cognitive fallacies in everyday decisionmaking.