The Role of Control in Attributing Intentional Agency to Inanimate Objects
In: Journal of Cognition and CultureSearch for other papers by Justin Barrett in
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Abstract
Previous research into the perception of agency has found that objects in twodimensional displays that move along non-inertial-looking paths are frequently attributed intentional agency, including beliefs and desires. The present experiment re-addressed this finding using a tangible, interactive, electromagnetic puzzle. The experimental manipulation was whether or not participants controlled the electromagnet that moved the marbles along unexpected trajectories. Thirty-one college undergraduates participated. Participants who lacked control over the movement of the marbles were significantly more likely to attribute agency to the marbles. Participants in control of the display rarely attributed intentional agency to the marbles. Implications are discussed for the identification of agents in the real world.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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The Role of Control in Attributing Intentional Agency to Inanimate Objects
In: Journal of Cognition and CultureSearch for other papers by Justin Barrett in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Amanda Hankes Johnson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Previous research into the perception of agency has found that objects in twodimensional displays that move along non-inertial-looking paths are frequently attributed intentional agency, including beliefs and desires. The present experiment re-addressed this finding using a tangible, interactive, electromagnetic puzzle. The experimental manipulation was whether or not participants controlled the electromagnet that moved the marbles along unexpected trajectories. Thirty-one college undergraduates participated. Participants who lacked control over the movement of the marbles were significantly more likely to attribute agency to the marbles. Participants in control of the display rarely attributed intentional agency to the marbles. Implications are discussed for the identification of agents in the real world.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 2570 | 525 | 69 |
| Full Text Views | 492 | 30 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 569 | 76 | 0 |
