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Assignment 14Due: Friday, March 27, in class
Writing/Discussion topic: Avatars and Behavior
Read the following article: Yee, N. and Bailenson, J.N. (2009) The Difference Between Being and Seeing: The Relative Contribution of Self Perception and Priming to Behavioral Changes via Digital Self-Representation, Media Psychology, In press.
Answer the following questions. Write at least 1/2 page, typed and double spaced, for each question. Support your arguments with references to the reading. (You may also use sources other than the reading, as long as you cite them properly). The article addresses a question related to whether use of avatars can affect how people behave both in virtual worlds and in the real world. a) What is the primary manipulation that the researchers use to determine that embodiment in an avatar, rather than simple exposure to the avatar's image, causes the change in subsequent behavior in choosing a date? b) Give a reasoned argument that virtual reality systems (i.e. head-mounted displays as used here) give a fundamentally new way of experiencing the world that can lead people change their behavior and sense of self both in the virtual and real worlds. c) Give a reasoned argument that virtual reality systems are not fundamentally different from previous ways of representing ourselves (e.g. art or writing) in terms of altering our behavior and sense of self.
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Constance Royden--croyden@mathcs.holycross.edu
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