Call for papers

Frontiers in Psychology Research Topic

Modeling Virtual Humans for Understanding the Mind

https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/13415/modeling-virtual-humans-for-understanding-the-mind

 

Models are a central tool for understanding complex systems such as humans. However, modelling in cognitive science and psychology faces the challenge that on the one hand, purely theoretical models tend to be unspecified and inconsistent, and, on the other hand, complex, large-scale models are difficult to test. In this Research Topic, we explore the methodology of constructing autonomous, computer-generated (virtual) humans as a research methodology. We propose that by embedding models in the context of real-world interaction, we are asking questions relevant for the understanding of the human mind. Motivated by the recent dramatic increase in the graphical quality of computer-generated humans, the Research Topic promotes a novel paradigm for developing and testing large-scale complex models in psychology and cognitive science.

 

We welcome original research, reviews, commentaries, and perspectives on topics which advance our understanding of cognitive processes via computational modelling techniques, especially in virtual humans, such as

- Work that showcases the approach of embodying models in systems for models testing

- Methods for implementing realistic virtual humans and embodying models

- Methods for quantifying human to virtual human interaction, i.e. the evaluation of cognitive, affective, and social models.

- Theoretical papers contributing to the proposed testing methodology

 

Editors

Steve Richard DiPaola, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, Canada

Ulysses Bernardet, Aston University Birmingham, United Kingdom

Jonathan Gratch, University of Southern California

 

Submission Deadlines

30 June 2020: Abstract

31 December 2020: Manuscript

Note that there is no embargo period which means that articles that have gone through the peer-review process and got accepted will be published as soon as they are ready.

 

Kind Regards,

Ulysses Bernardet

Topic Editor,

Cognitive Science Section, Frontiers in Psychology

On behalf of the Topic Editors.