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Published on: March 1, 2017
Comparing interpersonal interactions with a virtual human to those with a real human
Andrew B Raij1, Kyle Johnsen, Robert F Dickerson
1Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-6120, USA. raij@cise.ufl.edu
IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics
|March 16, 2007
Summary
Virtual human simulators enable interaction but lack engagement. Studies comparing virtual and real humans in medical interviews found similar information exchange but reduced participant sincerity and interest with virtual humans due to limited expressiveness.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Virtual Reality
- Medical Education
Background:
- Interpersonal simulators facilitate interaction with virtual humans.
- Evaluating these systems is crucial for understanding human-virtual interaction dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare medical students' interactions with virtual humans versus real humans in a simulated medical interview.
- To identify differences in engagement and behavior between virtual and real human interactions.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted using an interpersonal simulator in a medical interview scenario.
- Medical students interacted with either a virtual human or a real human simulating appendicitis.
- Participant behavior and interaction content were evaluated using various measures.
Main Results:
- Study I: Similar information was elicited from virtual and real humans, but participants showed less engagement and sincerity with the virtual human.
- Study II: Nonverbal behaviors indicated lower interest and poorer attitudes toward the virtual human.
- Subjective measures showed contradictory results, emphasizing the need for objective behavioral analysis.
Conclusions:
- Virtual human simulators can replicate interaction content but struggle to evoke genuine engagement.
- Limited expressive behavior in virtual humans negatively impacts perceived sincerity and interaction quality.
- Future research should prioritize objective, physically-based measures to accurately assess human-virtual interactions.
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