Variations in Perceived Emotional Intensity by Levels of Anthropomorphism in 3D Modeling
The purpose of this study was to examine various levels of anthropomorphism on perceived intensities of emotion with 3D computer images. Previous research has indicated that less attention to detail in virtual environments and lower levels of anthropomorphism in images result in greater levels of presence and social presence respectively. Images were designed to be happy, sad, or neutral in both high and low anthropomorphic conditions. Participants observed the images and rated the intensity of the expressed emotion on a 7-point Likert Scale. The intensity of expressed emotion for happy and sad conditions was averaged for each participant. Using this average, the low anthropomorphic condition reported significantly greater intensities of emotion than the high anthropomorphic condition. There were no significant differences between high and low anthropomorphic conditions of the neutral face.