Abstract
BackgroundTwo experiments investigated the effect of features of human behaviour on the quality of interaction with an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA).MethodsIn Experiment 1, visual prominence cues (head nod, eyebrow raise) of the ECA were manipulated to explore the hypothesis that likeability of an ECA increases as a function of interpersonal mimicry. In the context of an error detection task, the ECA either mimicked or did not mimic a head nod or brow raise that humans produced to give emphasis to a word when correcting the ECA’s vocabulary. In Experiment 2, presence versus absence of facial expressions on comprehension accuracy of two computer-driven ECA monologues was investigated.ResultsIn Experiment 1, evidence for a positive relationship between ECA mimicry and lifelikeness was obtained. However, a mimicking agent did not elicit more human gestures. In Experiment 2, expressiveness was associated with greater comprehension and higher ratings of humour and engagement.ConclusionInfluences from mimicry can be explained by visual and motor simulation, and bidirectional links between similarity and liking. Cue redundancy and minimizing cognitive load are potential explanations for expressiveness aiding comprehension.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40469-016-0008-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Two experiments investigated the effect of features of human behaviour on the quality of interaction with an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA)
Comparing sentences that contained errors with those that did not revealed a greater proportion of visual prominence cues produced in sentences with errors spoken by the ECA (M = 56 %) than sentences without errors spoken by the ECA (M = 35 %)
In a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was a main effect of mimicry, F(1,38) = 14.30, p =
Summary
Two experiments investigated the effect of features of human behaviour on the quality of interaction with an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA). Interacting with ECAs provides a highly controllable medium for the investigation of interpersonal and social behaviour. Experiment 1 investigates the hypothesis that behavioral mimicry increases affinity and liking. Non-conscious mimicry has been referred to as a kind of social glue that binds us together as it is thought to be both a cause and an effect of liking an individual (Guéguen and Martin 2009). Through the process of non-conscious mimicry, individuals are able to take on the gestures and mannerisms of the other person, allowing them to increase their similarity to another (Castelli et al 2009).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
