Avatar and participant gender differences in the perception of uncanniness of virtual humans

Abstract

The widespread use of avatars in training & simulation has expanded from entertainers to filling more serious roles. This change has emerged from the need to develop cost-effective & customizable avatars for interaction with trainees. While the use of avatars continues to expand, issues surrounding the impact of individual trainee factors on training outcomes, & how the design implications for avatars presented may interact with these factors, is not fully understood. Also, the uncanny valley has yet to be resolved, which may impair users' perception & acceptance of avatars & associated training scenarios. Gender has emerged as an important consideration when designing avatars, both in terms of gender differences in trainee perceptions, & the impact of avatars gender on these perceptions & experiences. The startle response of participants is measured to determine the participants' affective response to how pleasant the avatar is perceived, to ensure positive training outcomes.