Abstract
Computer agents can significantly impact the manner in which people perceive information and make choices. This study examined the effectiveness of an anthropomorphized computer agent (a Polar Bear) versus a simple text box at two levels of reliability on participants’ receptiveness to information about climate change and subsequent environmentally friendly behavior. Participants (N=110) answered questions about climate change while receiving the assistance of one of four computer agents comprising either an anthropomorphic agent (Polar Bear) or text box at 90% or 60% reliability. Results revealed that dependence on the anthropomorphic Polar Bear agent did not significantly differ from dependence on information conveyed via the Text Box agent; however, accuracy on the environmental quiz was greater for participants assisted by the Polar Bear agent under 90% reliability but lower than those assisted by the Text Box under 60% reliability. This study demonstrates that in some contexts the decision aiding advantages of anthropomorphic characters are selective and may be dependent largely on the agent’s demonstrated reliability at helping users reach their end goal.
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