The Background Context Condition for the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis

Abstract

We present the results of the background context condition experiment for the uncanny valley hypothesis. Subjects were presented with 12 computer-generated 3D models in two background variants. For the first group 12 models were rendered on a neutral background (empty room) and for the second group the same models were rendered on a suitable background, which was relevant to a given model (science-fiction scenery, town etc.). The aim of this study was to check whether the background context would influence differences in comfort level, human-likeness rating and emotional reaction to the models. A statistically significant difference in comfort levels was observed only for one of the models, the same situation was noticed for emotional reactions. We also tested the possibility of existence of more than one uncanny valley related to different factors as suggested in Kätsyri et al. (Front Psychol 6:390, 2015. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00390).