Christine M. Packard
Papers
1
Total Citations
16
H-Index
1
About
Christine M. Packard’s research sits at the compelling intersection of human-robot interaction and social psychology, exploring how subtle human-like behaviors shape our perceptions of robots. Her most influential work, "The Pratfall Effect and Interpersonal Impressions of a Robot that Forgets and Apologizes" (2019, 16 citations), draws on classic social psychology to reveal a fascinating paradox: a robot that forgets and apologizes can actually be perceived more favorably in interpersonal terms than one that never errs. This study challenges the assumption that flawless performance is always ideal in robotics, suggesting that well-timed vulnerability may enhance likability and trust. Packard’s contributions are particularly notable for bridging empirical social science with robotics design, offering practical insights for creating more relatable and socially intelligent machines. Her work has been recognized for its originality in applying the pratfall effect—a phenomenon long studied in human contexts—to human-robot dynamics, opening new avenues for research on robot personality and social repair strategies. For students and researchers, Packard’s findings underscore the importance of designing robots that are not just competent, but socially graceful, capable of navigating the messy, forgiving nature of human interaction.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1