Evaluating Uncertainty Representation in IDNs

This chapter delves into the potential of Interactive Digital Narratives (IDNs) to represent historical uncertainty and the challenges in evaluating their effectiveness. It introduces a novel evaluation framework designed to assess both declarative and procedural knowledge learning in IDNs, focusing on their ability to convey complex and uncertain information. The paper explores the theoretical underpinnings of epistemic justification and Foundherentism, which support the representation of multiple, conflicting perspectives in IDNs. A case study of the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex illustrates how IDNs can present different interpretations of a cultural heritage site, empowering interactors to form their own conclusions. The evaluation framework includes a diegetic questionnaire to measure uncertainty and trustworthiness, as well as a procedural component to challenge interactors' understanding. Cultural heritage experts validated the IDN and its ability to convey uncertainty and engage interactors in the interpretation process. The chapter concludes by highlighting the role of IDNs in representing uncertain history and the need for further development and validation of the evaluation framework.