Creepy cats and strange high houses: Support for configural processing in testing predictions of nine uncanny valley theories

Abstract

In 1970, Masahiro Mori proposed the uncanny valley (UV), a region in a human-likeness continuum where an entity risks eliciting a cold, eerie, repellent feeling. Recent studies have shown that this feeling can be elicited by entities modeled not only on humans but also nonhuman animals. The perceptual and cognitive mechanisms underlying the UV effect are not well understood, although many theories have been proposed to explain them. To test the predictions of nine classes of theories, a within-subjects experiment was conducted with 136 participants. The theories’ predictions were compared with ratings of 10 classes of stimuli on eeriness and coldness indices. One type of theory, configural processing, predicted eight out of nine significant effects. Atypicality, in its extended form, in which the uncanny valley effect is amplified by the stimulus appearing more human, also predicted eight. Threat avoidance predicted seven; atypicality, perceptual mismatch, and mismatch+ predicted six; category+, novelty avoidance, mate selection, and psychopathy avoidance predicted five; and category uncertainty predicted three. Empathy's main prediction was not supported. Given that the number of significant effects predicted depends partly on our choice of hypotheses, a detailed consideration of each result is advised. We do, however, note the methodological value of examining many competing theories in the same experiment.

A Meta-analysis of the Uncanny Valley's Independent and Dependent Variables

“…This effect could not occur if the facial proportions of the low human likeness endpoint stimuli were already human (e.g., human avatars). Thus, it is possible that, for morphing stimuli to elicit a UV effect reliably, they must distort an entity's configural pattern, which would support theories predicting the UV effect results from configural processing Diel & MacDorman 2021;Kätsyri 2018].…”

“…These theories predict that the UV effect is elicited by an entity whose features cause it to deviate strongly from its prototype [Kätsyri et al 2015;Strait et al 2017]. Anomalies are easily created in images, where features can be moved, reflected, rotated, and scaled [e.g., Diel & MacDorman 2021].…”

“…Face distortion was only tested in four of the papers reviewed [Feng et al 2018;MacDorman et al 2009;Mäkäräinen et al 2014;Schwind et al 2018]. Nevertheless, it is a promising technique to explore configural processing theories [Diel & MacDorman 2021].…”

“…The UV effect has been conceptualized in different ways. These conceptualizations often stem from different theories and their assumptions about elicitors of the effect [Diel & MacDorman 2021]. They include:…”

Creepy, but Persuasive: In a Virtual Consultation, Physician Bedside Manner, Rather than the Uncanny Valley, Predicts Adherence

“…A large meta-analysis has confirmed the effect (Diel et al, 2022), which could hinder the acceptance of virtual characters and their advice. The uncanny valley effect can occur when a character's features are atypical, appear less real than others, or deviate from a familiar configuration (Chattopadhyay and MacDorman, 2016;Diel and MacDorman, 2021). This can elicit in viewers a feeling of eeriness and revulsion.…”