Interdisciplinary Research Methods for Child-Robot Relationship Formation

As the field of child-robot interaction (CRI) research matures, and in light of the recent replication crisis in psychology, it is timely to tackle several important methodological challenges. Notably, studies on child-robot relationship formation face issues regarding the conceptualization and operationalization of this complex, comprehensive construct. In addressing these challenges, increased interdisciplinary collaboration is of vital importance. As such, this workshop aims to facilitate ongoing discussion between interdisciplinary experts on the topic of child-robot relationship formation to identify common issues and corresponding solutions (e.g., consistent definitions and rigorous measurement techniques). The workshop will begin with a keynote talk from Dr. Iolanda Leite, followed by discussion surrounding identified challenges. These discussions will be accompanied by intensive break-out groups moderated by senior researchers in the field (i.e., Mark Neerincx and Vanessa Evers). We hope this workshop will set the baseline for standardised methodologies that can later be expanded to other CRI constructs.