Related Experiment Videos
Mimics: a symbolic conflict/cooperation simulation program, with embedded protocol recording and automatic
Eugene V Aidman1, Alexander G Shmelyov
1University of Ballarat, Mt. Helen, Victoria, Australia. eugene.aidman@dsto.defence.gov.au
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers : a Journal of the Psychonomic Society, Inc
|June 14, 2002
Summary
This study introduces Mimics, a social interaction simulator game. It assesses personality and social behavior by analyzing player interactions with avatars displaying various facial expressions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Social interaction and behavior assessment are crucial in psychology.
- Existing methods may lack dynamic, interactive assessment capabilities.
- Simulating social scenarios offers a controlled environment for studying behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce Mimics, an interactive software environment for social interaction simulation.
- To provide comprehensive recording and flexible assessment facilities for user behavior.
- To explore the potential of this method in assessing personality and social behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing schematized visual sketches of facial expressions, similar to cross-cultural facial universals.
- Employing a computer-game-like scenario where users control an avatar.
- Analyzing player choices in response to host avatar facial expressions (negotiate, attack, escape).
- Recording player moves and interactions for fine-grained behavioral index computation.
Main Results:
- Computation of fine-grained indices of interactive behavior, including aggressive response styles.
- Measurement of efficiency and motivation in conflict and cooperation contexts.
- Initial validation data supporting the method's utility.
Conclusions:
- Mimics provides a novel tool for assessing personality and social behavior.
- The interactive simulation environment allows for detailed analysis of social responses.
- Potential applications include psychological assessment and behavioral research.