Leveling up on stereotype threat: The role of avatar customization and avatar embodiment

作者:

Highlights:

• We examined post-game stereotype threat effects of avatar gender experimentally.

• Use of a customized male (vs. female) avatar led to better math scores.

• The less avatar embodiment during avatar use, the stronger this effect.

• Main implication: psychological connection to avatar influences stereotype threat.

• Main caveat: some types of psychological connection may reduce such effects.

摘要

•We examined post-game stereotype threat effects of avatar gender experimentally.•Use of a customized male (vs. female) avatar led to better math scores.•The less avatar embodiment during avatar use, the stronger this effect.•Main implication: psychological connection to avatar influences stereotype threat.•Main caveat: some types of psychological connection may reduce such effects.

论文关键词:Avatars,Avatar customization,Avatar embodiment,Learning outcomes of digital games,Proteus effect,Stereotype threat

论文评审过程:Available online 29 April 2015.

论文官网地址:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.04.010