Rosa Angela Fabio1, Giorgia Pergolizzi2, Andrea Nucita3, Giancarlo Iannizzotto3, Tindara Caprì2. 1. Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Messina, Via Bivona, 98122, Messina, Italy. rafabio@unime.it. 2. Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Messina, Via Bivona, 98122, Messina, Italy. 3. Department of Cognitive Sciences, Psychological, Educational and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Via Concezione, 6, 98122, Messina, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since subjects with Rett syndrome (RTT) focus their attention mainly on the faces of people with whom they interact, in this study the role of a human-like smart interactive agent (an avatar) in enhancing cognitive processes is examined. More in depth, this study aimed to understand if, and to what extent, the use of an avatar can improve attention and memory abilities in subjects with RTT. METHOD: Thirty-six subjects with RTT participated in the study. All participants performed over-selectivity and memory tasks, for a total of six trials. These trials were randomly presented in two different conditions: with and without virtual avatar. RESULTS: The results indicated that the participants improved their attention and memory abilities when they performed the tasks with the avatar. There were no improvements when they performed the tasks without the avatar. DISCUSSION: The results were discussed considering the relationship between motivation, attention and memory in RTT.
BACKGROUND: Since subjects with Rett syndrome (RTT) focus their attention mainly on the faces of people with whom they interact, in this study the role of a human-like smart interactive agent (an avatar) in enhancing cognitive processes is examined. More in depth, this study aimed to understand if, and to what extent, the use of an avatar can improve attention and memory abilities in subjects with RTT. METHOD: Thirty-six subjects with RTT participated in the study. All participants performed over-selectivity and memory tasks, for a total of six trials. These trials were randomly presented in two different conditions: with and without virtual avatar. RESULTS: The results indicated that the participants improved their attention and memory abilities when they performed the tasks with the avatar. There were no improvements when they performed the tasks without the avatar. DISCUSSION: The results were discussed considering the relationship between motivation, attention and memory in RTT.
Entities:
Keywords:
Attention; Avatar; Memory; Over-selectivity; Rett syndrome
Authors: Rosa Angela Fabio; Lucia Billeci; Giulia Crifaci; Emilia Troise; Gaetano Tortorella; Giovanni Pioggia Journal: Res Dev Disabil Date: 2016-02-06
Authors: Rosa Angela Fabio; Martina Semino; Samantha Giannatiempo; Tindara Caprì; Giancarlo Iannizzotto; Andrea Nucita Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-03 Impact factor: 3.390