Effectance Motivation: Unpredictability and Uncontrollability in the Anthropomorphism Strategy
Résumé
In a previous study named "Unpredictable gadgets", Waytz et al. (2010) demonstrated that the effectance motivation -the desire to control and predict one's environment -manipulated by the unpredictability of technological gadgets actions -increases anthropomorphic attributions. The present study uses their protocol, but distinguishes between the notions of control and predictability, which are often conceptually and theoretically confused. Results replicated past findings showing lower predictability increases anthropomorphism. Critically, deficient control also elicited greater anthropomorphism even when actions remained predictable. This supports conceptual distinctions between control and predictability. Although need for closure did not moderate anthropomorphism directly, higher need was associated with increased perceived control and more positive evaluations under high predictability. Together, these findings advance anthropomorphism models by providing discriminant evidence that lacking both control and predictability uniquely compel anthropomorphic attributions to re-establish effectance. Imposing familiar mental models appears to serve a compensatory function when interfacing with nonhuman entities, regulating uncertainty by bolstering perceived agency alongside comprehension. Elucidating such psychological processes carries practical implications for designing transparent and relatable, yet objectively unreliable, AI systems.
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