On the role of eye contact in gaze cueing

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/mx28g
• Publication Date: 2018-07-02T11:43:40Z
• Authors: Kyveli Kompatsiari; Francesca Ciardo; Vadim Tikhanoff; Giorgio Metta; Agnieszka Wykowska
• Keywords: iCub; Eye contact; Joint Attention

Most experimental protocols examining joint attention with the gaze cueing paradigm are “observational” and “offline”, thereby not involving social interaction. We examined whether within a naturalistic online interaction, real-time eye contact influences effect (GCE). embedded in an interactive protocol iCub humanoid robot. This has advantage of ecological validity combined excellent control. Critically, before averting gaze, either established or not, manipulation enabled by algorithm detecting position human eyes. For non-predictive procedure (Experiment 1), only condition elicited GCE, while for counter-predictive 2), no induced GCE. These results reveal strategic (gaze validity) (eye contact) top-down components on reflexive orienting cues. More generally, we propose that embodied presence agent can cast new light mechanisms cognition.