Introductory dialogue and the Köhler Effect in software-generated workout partners

Abstract

Objectives This study explored the Köhler motivation gain effect utilizing adults and software-generated partners (SGPs) during an abdominal exercise regimen and compared the type of participant-SGP introductory dialogue as a moderator. The Köhler effect applies interdependent team dynamics in which group performance is dependent upon the weaker member. The third objective was to examine if this motivation paradigm would result in adverse consequences to secondary variables: exertion, enjoyment, and self-efficacy beliefs. Design Adults (Mage = 38.8 +/− 7.7) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: Interactive Partner SGP (IP), Linear Dialogue Partner SGP (LDP), or individual control (IC), to complete a series of abdominal exercises. The experiment used a 3 (condition) x 2 (gender) ANCOVA design, with a baseline block of exercises as a covariate. Method Participants completed abdominal exercises individually and, after a rest, repeated the same exercises with either an SGP programmed to be moderately stronger or individually (IC). Prior to the second exercise block, IP participants interacted with the SGP using a dialog tree optional-response format. The LDP participant introduction was a linear, scripted exchange of basic information. Results The LDP and IP conditions persisted significantly longer than IC, generating moderate effect sizes (d = .62; d = .76). The mean difference between partnered conditions was not significant. Conclusions The Köhler motivation exercise paradigm resulted in a considerable increase in persistence (Madj = 28.9, SE = 10.6) in the first study to use middle-aged adults with superior SGPs. Differences between introductory dialogue methods were not significant.

Group dynamics motivation to increase exercise intensity with a virtual partner

“…In other words, people respond socially to human-like characteristics of computers and apply social rules to their interactions when doing so 29, 30. Recent studies have successfully used SGPs in exercise-persistence tasks 31, 32, 33. Not only did the participants rate the exercise SGPs positively in terms of likability and anthropomorphic features, but the motivation gain across these sequential studies also demonstrated moderate effect sizes (Feltz et al, 31 d = 0.57; Samendinger et al, 33 d = 0.76).…”

“…Recent studies have successfully used SGPs in exercise-persistence tasks 31, 32, 33. Not only did the participants rate the exercise SGPs positively in terms of likability and anthropomorphic features, but the motivation gain across these sequential studies also demonstrated moderate effect sizes (Feltz et al, 31 d = 0.57; Samendinger et al, 33 d = 0.76). These effects were similar in magnitude to those previously reported to be observed with human partners during conjunctive task groups ( g = 0.72) 17 .…”

An Exploratory Study on the Köhler Effect and Flow in Long-term Exergaming

“…K. Lee, Kiesler, & Forlizzi, 2010). One way to an exchange of spoken information is to employ a dialogue tree in exergames (Samendinger et al, 2017), which was applied in the present study. Therefore, we suggest taking advantage of group dynamics with SGPs in commercial exergames (e.g., Wii Fit, PS-2’s EyeToy: Kinetic) or any health game because players can even interact with SGPs in exergame play.…”

“…The Köhler effect occurs in group tasks when the less capable partner of the group shows greater motivation in terms of effort, relative to his/her individual performance (Kerr & Hertel, 2011; and see Weber & Hertel, 2007 for a meta-analysis). The Köhler effect is considered as one of few group dynamics capable of realizing motivation gains (Samendinger et al, 2017). These motivation gains occur in conjunctive tasks, in which the performance of the group is judged by the inferior partner’s performance.…”

Group influences in sports and exercise settings: Applications to therapy groups.

“…The setting can range from standard exercise classes in which members have little prior knowledge of each other and little interaction during the classes to groups in which group dynamic principles have been used to enhance group perceptions and cohesion (Burke, Carron, Eys, Ntoumanis, & Estabrooks, 2006). However, regardless of the nature of the exercise setting, group constructs appear to play an important role with respect to cohesion (Spink & Carron, 1994), Köhler effect (Samendinger et al, 2017), social norms (Priebe & Spink, 2015), leadership (Crozier & Spink, 2018), and groupness (Crozier, Martin, & Spink, in press) as they relate to group maintenance and member behavior. Given that psychotherapy groups are likely more similar to minimal than true groups, it could be posited that there might be a more direct transfer from findings in the exercise setting to psychotherapy groups.…”