Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
05:21
Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses
Published on: January 7, 2019
8.0K
Observed nonhumanoid robot actions induce vicarious agency when perceived as social actors, not as objects
Luca Pascolini1, Andrew P Bayliss1, Anh H Le1
1School of Psychology, University of East Anglia.
Summary
People may feel a sense of agency when observing robots, but this implicit sense of agency is stronger when interacting socially with robots. This suggests social context is key for robot integration.
Area of Science:
- Human-Robot Interaction
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Robotics
Background:
- Robots are increasingly present in daily life.
- Understanding conditions for social integration of robots is crucial.
- Perception of robots as intentional agents may facilitate social integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if observing robot actions can vicariously induce an implicit sense of agency.
- To explore the role of social context in the perception of robot agency.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments utilized a temporal binding paradigm.
- Participants interacted with a nonhumanoid toy robot.
- Temporal gap between robot action and outcome was measured.
Main Results:
- A temporal binding effect (underestimation of time gap) was observed, indicating an implicit sense of agency.
- This effect was significant only when participants previously engaged in a social game with the robot.
- Weaker binding occurred after mechanistic interactions.
Conclusions:
- Nonhumanoid social robots can evoke an implicit sense of vicarious agency.
- Social context significantly influences the perception of robot agency.
- Restricted social contexts are necessary for inducing vicarious agency in human-robot interactions.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Nonconscious Mimicry
4.6K
Nonconscious mimicry occurs when individuals alter their mannerisms to match the behaviors and expressions of those nearby, without intention.
4.6K
01:12Observational Learning
319
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning...
319
02:16Stereotype Content Model
14.9K
The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) was first proposed by Susan Fiske and her colleagues (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick & Xu, 2002; see also Fiske, 2012 and Fiske, 2017). The SCM specifies that when someone encounters a new group, they will stereotype them based on two metrics: warmth—or that group’s perceived intent, and how likely they are to provide help or inflict harm—and competence—or their ability to carry out that objective. Depending on the warmth-competence...
14.9K
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
51.8K
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
51.8K
02:30Naturalistic Observations
16.0K
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
16.0K
00:57Deindividuation
27.4K
Deindividuation is a form of social influence on an individual’s behavior such that the individual engages in unusual or non-normal behavior while in a group setting. Why? Because in these group settings, the individual no longer sees themselves as an individual anymore, disinhibiting their behavior and personal restraint.
27.4K