Responsiveness to robots: effects of ingroup orientation & communication style on hri in china

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effects of group orientation and communication style on Chinese subjects' responsiveness to robots. A 2x2 experiment was conducted with group orientation (ingroup vs. outgroup) and communication style (implicit vs. explicit) as dimensions. The results confirm expectations that subjects with a Chinese cultural background are more responsive to robots that use implicit communication styles. We also found some evidence that subjects were more responsive when they thought of the robot as an ingroup member. These findings inform the design of robots for use in China and countries with similar cultural values and reinforce the importance of culturally sensitive design in HRI.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Computer-supported cooperative work

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Collaborative computing

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.9 Robotics
          Subjects: Commercial robots and applications

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors, Reliability

Keywords:
communication style, human robot interaction, relationship