Work

Effect of Interactions Between a Child and a Robot on the Imitation and Praxis Performance of Typically Devloping Children and a Child With Autism: a Preliminary Study1,2

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Interactions between a robot and a child (robot-child interactions) provide a unique context to engage children in whole body movements through a reciprocal imitation game. The effects of a novel, 8-session, robot-child interaction protocol on the imitation and praxis skills of 15 typically developing children and one child with autism between 4 and 7 years of age were examined. A quasi-experimental observational comparison of pretest and posttest performance was conducted. A task-specific robot imitation test and a standardized praxis measure were coded for changes in imitation and praxis errors at pretest and posttest. All children showed improvements in task-specific imitation and generalized praxis. Interpretation is limited by the lack of a control group. These findings serve as a foundation for further investigation of robot-child interactions as a potential training tool for children with dyspraxia.

Source: Perceptual and Motor Skills

DOI: 10.2466/15.10.pms.116.3

Authors: Sudha M. Srinivasan, Kathleen A. Lynch, Deborah J. Bubela, Timothy D. Gifford, Anjana N. Bhat

Institution: University of Connecticut

Language: English

Topic: Social Robot Interaction and HRI

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health