Seeing faces and minds around us : when anthropomorphism meets agency and experience in the literature

• Main Authors: Cheah, Jolene Ai Ling, Kang, Ethel Huiqing, Chan, Joan Mei Yi
• Other Authors: Albert Lee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Humanities
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/70342
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Anthropomorphism refers to the attribution of human characteristics or behaviour such as physical needs, emotions and feelings, as well as intentions and cognitive abilities to nonhuman agents. The study of anthropomorphism has been increasing over the past few years, with the bulk of the literature examining the variables that influence this phenomenon. However, as the study of anthropomorphism is relatively young, the literature has yet to be linked to larger theories and frameworks in more established areas of psychology, and stands largely on its own. Thus, this literature review aims to apply the existing literature in anthropomorphism to an established mind perception framework, introducing the perception of the minds of nonhuman agents along the dimensions of agency and experience in the literature of anthropomorphism. As anthropomorphism involves attributing nonhuman agents with a mind, it holds similar concepts to that of mind perception and therefore, applying the framework of agency and experience could bring about deeper insights into the study of anthropomorphism. Current literature in the broad categories of pets, robots and brands will be reviewed through the use of this framework. Further implications of applying the framework of agency and experience in anthropomorphism will be discussed as well.