Relational agents: A critical review
TL;DR: This review critically assesses the progress of relational agent development and research since their inception in 2005, proposes new areas of research and considers the potential for their exploitation in virtual worlds.
Abstract: Relationships between people who meet in virtual worlds are common and these relationships can be long term, in some cases lasting a life-time. Although relationships formed in virtual worlds have invited a lot of recent interest, surprisingly little work has been done on developing computer agents and non-player characters that can actively participate in such relationships. The focus of this review is relational agents, agents that can build long term socio- emotional relationships with users. In virtual worlds, such agents are just starting to emerge; they are more common in other environments but remain few and far between. This review critically assesses the progress of relational agent development and research since their inception in 2005, proposes new areas of research and considers the potential for their exploitation in virtual worlds.
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30 Jul 2006
TL;DR: Together they begin a journey through the galaxy aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, with the words don't panic written on the front.
Abstract: Together they begin a journey through the galaxy aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, with the words don't panic written on the front. 24 'Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy' Quotes From Douglas Adams That Should I first read Douglas Adams' book in middle school, and the humor was unlike. The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy quotes goodreads, “a towel, (the hitchhiker's guide galaxy, Politics quotes hitchhiker' guide galaxy book, quotes politics.
236 citations
TL;DR: The efficacy and acceptability of conversational agent interventions for mental health problems are promising, however, a more robust experimental design is required to demonstrate efficacy and efficiency.
Abstract: Background: The use of conversational agent interventions in mental health is growing at a fast pace. Recent existing reviews have focused exclusively on a subset of embodied conversational agent interventions despite other modalities aiming to achieve the common goal of improved mental health. Objective: This study aimed to review the use of conversational agent interventions in the treatment of mental health problems. Methods: We performed a systemic search using relevant databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane library). We included studies if they reported on an autonomous conversational agent that simulated conversation and reported on a mental health outcome. Results: A total of 13 studies were included in the review. Among them, 4 full-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The rest were feasibility, pilot RCTs and quasi-experimental studies. Interventions were diverse in design and targeted a range of mental health problems using a wide variety of therapeutic orientations. All included studies reported reductions in psychological distress postintervention. Furthermore, 5 controlled studies demonstrated significant reductions in psychological distress compared with inactive control groups. In addition, 3 controlled studies comparing interventions with active control groups failed to demonstrate superior effects. Broader utility in promoting well-being in nonclinical populations was unclear. Conclusions: The efficacy and acceptability of conversational agent interventions for mental health problems are promising. However, a more robust experimental design is required to demonstrate efficacy and efficiency. A focus on streamlining interventions, demonstrating equivalence to other treatment modalities, and elucidating mechanisms of action has the potential to increase acceptance by users and clinicians and maximize reach.
98 citations
01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: This article reviewed theories and research on academic emotions and motivation that can be integrated into the processes of instructional design and development and suggested future research directions including reframing motivation research that considers emotions in the realm of educational communications and technology.
Abstract: This chapter reviews theories and research on academic emotions and motivation that can be integrated into the processes of instructional design and development. First, we discuss the impact of emotions in learning and performance contexts. Second, we review theories describing how emotions occur. Third, we discuss how to optimize emotional experiences in learning and performance contexts and review several models and approaches that can be used in instructional design. Fourth, we review instruments and technologies measuring emotions and emotion regulation. We conclude the chapter by suggesting future research directions including reframing motivation research that considers emotions in the realm of educational communications and technology.
97 citations
TL;DR: RAs provide an innovative and attractive platform to increase exercise and sun protection behaviors and potentially other health behaviors and can be effective but need further development.
Abstract: Background: Relational agents (RAs) are electronic computational figures designed to engage participants in the change process A recent study, Project RAISE, tested the effectiveness of RAs, combined with existing computer-based interventions to increase regular exercise and sun protection behaviors Results showed these interventions can be effective but need further development Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine participants’ experiences using RAs to increase participant engagement and promote behavior change Methods: A qualitative approach was primarily utilized A 25-question interview guide assessed different components of participants’ experiences with the intervention, including motivation, engagement, satisfaction or dissatisfaction, quality of their interaction with the RA, and behavior change Quantitative assessment of satisfaction was based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing least satisfied and 10 representing most satisfied A summative analytic approach was used to assess individuals’ qualitative responses A single analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined levels of satisfaction by gender Results: Of the original 1354 participants enrolled in Project RAISE, 490 of 1354 (36%) were assigned to the RA group A sample of 216 out of 490 (44%) participants assigned to the RA group completed the interventions, and follow-up assessments were contacted to participate in the semistructured interview A total of 34 out of 216 (16%) completed the interview Participants were motivated by, and satisfied with, the intervention Participants viewed the RA as supportive, informative, caring, and reported positive behavior change in both exercise and sun protection Some participants (15/34, 44%) noted the RA was less judgmental and less “overbearing” compared with a human counselor; other participants (12/34, 35%) said that the interaction was sometimes repetitive or overly general The majority of participants (22/34, 65%) viewed the RA as an important contributor to their behavior change for exercise, sun protection, or both Levels of satisfaction ranged between 7 and 10 There were no gender differences noted in levels of satisfaction (P=51) Conclusions: RAs provide an innovative and attractive platform to increase exercise and sun protection behaviors and potentially other health behaviors [J Med Internet Res 2018;20(2):e48]
45 citations
Cites background from "Relational agents: A critical revie..."
...The RA uses speech, gaze, hand gesture, intonation, and other nonverbal modalities to emulate the experience of human face-to-face conversation with their users [5-9]....
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...RA interventions for medication adherence and depression management have shown to be more efficacious in comparison with non-RA conditions [8,9]....
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...Relational agents (RAs) represent one of the recent innovative electronic communication technology approaches (electronic health) developed to increase engagement [5-9]....
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...Specifically, the RA engages users through small talk, storytelling, humor, offering empathy, encouragement, and praise to help them to acquire and maintain the target behavior [6-9]....
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...The interactions are in real time, allowing the user to ask the RA questions that may emerge during the session [6-9]....
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References
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Book•
01 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a discussion of the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in the treatment of dual disorders and its adaptation in medical and public health settings, as well as a practical case example.
Abstract: Part I: Context. Why Do People Change? Ambivalence: The Dilemma of Change. Facilitating Change. Part II: Practice. What is Motivational Interviewing? Change and Resistance: Opposite Sides of the Coin. Phase 1: Building Motivation for Change. Responding to Change Talk. Responding to Resistance. Enhancing Confidence. Phase 2: Strengthening Commitment to Change. A Practical Case Example. Ethical Considerations. Part III: Learning Motivational Interviewing. Reflections on Learning. Facilitating Learning. Part IV: Applications of Motivational Interviewing. DiClemente, Velasquez, Motivational Interviewing and the Stages of Change. Burke, Arkowitz, Dunn, The Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing and its Adaptations: What we Know So Far. Resnicow, DiIorio, Soet, Borrelli, Ernst, Hecht, Thevos, Motivational Interviewing in Medical and Public Health Settings. Rollnick, Allison, Ballasiotes, Barth, Butler, Rose, Rosengren, Variations on a Theme: Motivational Interviewing and its Adaptations. Wagner, Sanchez, The Role of Values in Motivational Interviewing. Zweben, Zuckoff, Motivational Interviewing and Treatment Adherence. Baer, Peterson, Motivational Interviewing with Adolescents and Young Adults. Ginsburg, Mann, Rotgers, Weekes, Motivational Interviewing with Criminal Justice Populations. Burke, Vassilev, Kantchelov, Zweben, Motivational Interviewing with Couples. Handmaker, Packard, Conforti, Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Dual Disorders. Walters, Ogle, Martin, Perils and Possibilities of Group-Based Motivational Interviewing.
5,087 citations
TL;DR: Langer as discussed by the authors reviewed a series of experimental studies that demonstrate that individuals mindlessly apply social rules and expecta-tions to computers and demonstrate that people exhibit overlearned social behaviors such as politeness and reciprocity toward comput-ers.
Abstract: Following Langer (1992), this article reviews a series of experimental studiesthat demonstrate that individuals mindlessly apply social rules and expecta-tions to computers. The first set of studies illustrates how individuals overusehuman social categories, applying gender stereotypes to computers and ethnicallyidentifying with computer agents. The second set demonstrates that people exhibitoverlearned social behaviors such as politeness and reciprocity toward comput-ers.Inthethirdsetofstudies,prematurecognitivecommitmentsaredemonstrated:Aspecialisttelevisionsetisperceivedasprovidingbettercontentthanageneralisttelevision set. A final series of studies demonstrates the depth of social responseswith respect to computer “personality.” Alternative explanations for these find -ings, such as anthropomorphism and intentional social responses, cannot explainthe results. We conclude with an agenda for future research.Computer users approach the personal computer in many different ways.Experienced word processors move smoothly from keyboard to mouse to menu,mixing prose and commands to the computer automatically; the distinctionbetween the hand and the tool blurs (Heidegger, 1977; Winograd & Flores, 1987).Novices cautiously strike each key, fearing that one false move will initiate anuncontrollable series of unwanted events. Game players view computers as
2,167 citations
"Relational agents: A critical revie..." refers background in this paper
...As will be seen, it is this first question that also leaves the most room for further research....
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01 Jan 2006
TL;DR: This work focuses on Intervention Mapping, a method for selecting Theory-Informed Intervention Methods and Practical Strategies using Behavior-Oriented Theories used in Health Promotion.
2,033 citations
"Relational agents: A critical revie..." refers background in this paper
...The cartoon-like format of relational agents is to some extent a technological limitation....
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Book•
03 Mar 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a core process for intervention mapping, using evidence, theory, and new research, which is based on Behavior-Oriented Theories used in health promotion.
Abstract: List of Figures and Tables. Preface. Acknowledgments. The Authors. PART ONE: FOUNDATIONS. 1. Overview of Intervention Mapping. 2. Core Processes: Using Evidence, Theory, and New Research. 3. Behavior-Oriented Theories Used in Health Promotion. 4. Environment-Oriented Theories. PART TWO: INTERVENTION MAPPING STEPS. 5. Intervention Mapping Step 1: Needs Assessment. 6. Intervention Mapping Step 2: Preparing Matrices of Change Objectives. 7. Intervention Mapping Step 3: Selecting Theory-Informed Intervention Methods and Practical Strategies. 8. Intervention Mapping Step 4: Producing Program Components and Materials. 9. Intervention Mapping Step 5: Planning Program Adoption, Implementation, and Sustainability. 10. Intervention Mapping Step 6: Planning for Evaluation. PART THREE: CASE STUDIES. 11. A School HIV-Prevention Program in the Netherlands (Herman Schaalma and Gerjo Kok). 12. Asthma Management for Inner-City Children (Christine Markham, Shellie Tyrrell, Ross Shegog, Maria Fernandez, and L. Kay Bartholomew). 13. Theory and Context in Project PANDA: A Program to Help Postpartum Women Stay Off Cigarettes (Patricia Dolan Mullen, Carlo C. DiClemente, and L. Kay Bartholomew). 14. Cultivando la Salud (Maria Fernandez, Alicia Gonzales, Guillermo Tortolero-Luna, Sylvia Partida, and L. Kay Bartholomew). References. Name Index. Subject Index.
1,914 citations
1,452 citations