scholarly journals Analysis of Empathic Dialogue in Actual Doctor-Patient Calls and Implications for Design of Embodied Conversational Agents

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1 | 2) ◽  
pp. 91-112
Author(s):  
Sana Salman ◽  
Deborah Richards ◽  
Patrina Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Conversational Agents

Intersubjectivity in human–agent interaction

2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine Cassell ◽  
Andrea Tartaro
Keyword(s):  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Human Agent ◽  
Unconscious Communication ◽  
Agent Interaction ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
And Robotics

What is the hallmark of success in human–agent interaction? In animation and robotics, many have concentrated on the looks of the agent — whether the appearance is realistic or lifelike. We present an alternative benchmark that lies in the dyad and not the agent alone: Does the agent’s behavior evoke intersubjectivity from the user? That is, in both conscious and unconscious communication, do users react to behaviorally realistic agents in the same way they react to other humans? Do users appear to attribute similar thoughts and actions? We discuss why we distinguish between appearance and behavior, why we use the benchmark of intersubjectivity, our methodology for applying this benchmark to embodied conversational agents (ECAs), and why we believe this benchmark should be applied to human–robot interaction.

Physically embodied conversational agents as health and fitness companions

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markku Turunen ◽  
Jaakko Hakulinen ◽  
Cameron Smith ◽  
Daniel Charlton ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Health And Fitness

scholarly journals Social robots – emotional agents: Some remarks on naturalizing man-machine interaction

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 37-45
Author(s):  
Barbara Becker
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Human Computer Interface ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
The One ◽  
Machine Communication ◽  
Emotional Agents ◽  
Machine Interaction ◽  
Positive Effect

The construction of embodied conversational agents – robots as well as avatars – seem to be a new challenge in the field of both cognitive AI and human-computer-interface development. On the one hand, one aims at gaining new insights in the development of cognition and communication by constructing intelligent, physical instantiated artefacts. On the other hand people are driven by the idea, that humanlike mechanical dialog-partners will have a positive effect on human-machine-communication. In this contribution I put for discussion whether the visions of scientist in this field are plausible and which problems might arise by the realization of such projects.

Use and effect of web-based embodied conversational agents for improving eating behavior and decreasing loneliness among community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lean L. Kramer ◽  
Lex van Velsen ◽  
Jenna L. Clark ◽  
Bob C. Mulder ◽  
Emely de Vet
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) have been proposed as a promising interaction modality for the delivery of programs focused on promoting lifestyle changes. However, it is not understood which factors influence use of an ECA and their health effects. OBJECTIVE We aim to (1) identify whether ECAs can persuade community-dwelling older adults to change their dietary behavior and whether ECAs use can decrease loneliness, (2) test these pathways to effects, and (3) understand the use of an ECA. METHODS The web-based eHealth app PACO is a fully automated 8-week intervention in which 2 ECAs engage older adults in dialogue to motivate them to change their dietary behavior and decrease their loneliness. PACO was developed via a human-centered and stakeholder-inclusive design approach and incorporates Self-determination Theory and various behavior change techniques For this study, an unblinded web-based randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were recruited via social media, an online panel, flyers and advertorials. The intervention group received access to the PACO service for eight weeks. The waitlist group received PACO after waiting for four weeks. The primary outcomes, eating behavior and loneliness, were assessed via self-assesed online questionnaires at intake, waitlist, after 4 weeks, and after eight weeks. In addition, the primary outcome—use—was assessed via data logs. Secondary outcomes were measured at the same times, via questionnaires or an optional interview. RESULTS In total, 32 participants completed the intervention. We found a significant correlation between use in minutes on the one hand, and perceived usefulness (r = .39, P =.030) and enjoyment on the other (r = .38, P = .032). However, these did not predict use in the full regression model (F(2,29) = 1.98, P = .16, R2 = .12). Additionally, PACO use did not lead to improvements in eating behavior (χ2(2) = .34, = .85) or a decrease in loneliness (χ2(2) = .02, = .99). CONCLUSIONS Our study did not provide any concluding evidence about factors that are linked to the use or health effects of ECAs. Future service design could benefit from either creating a functional design catered towards the predominant stage of the targeted population, or by personalizing the service based on an intake in which the end-user’s stage is determined. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04510883; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04510883 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/22186

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