Does computer-synthesized speech manifest personality? Experimental tests of recognition, similarity-attraction, and consistency-attraction

J Exp Psychol Appl. 2001 Sep;7(3):171-81.

Abstract

Would people exhibit similarity-attraction and consistency-attraction toward unambiguously computer-generated speech even when personality is clearly not relevant? In Experiment 1, participants (extrovert or introvert) heard a synthesized voice (extrovert or introvert) on a book-buying Web site. Participants accurately recognized personality cues in text to speech and showed similarity-attraction in their evaluation of the computer voice, the book reviews, and the reviewer. Experiment 2, in a Web auction context, added personality of the text to the previous design. The results replicated Experiment 1 and demonstrated consistency (voice and text personality)-attraction. To maximize liking and trust, designers should set parameters, for example, words per minute or frequency range, that create a personality that is consistent with the user and the content being presented.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Extraversion, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Introversion, Psychological*
  • Male
  • Social Perception
  • Speech Acoustics*
  • Speech Perception*