Learning from accented virtual humans: Can quality of voice and globalization overcome accent familiarity?

Abstract

The current study’s data is from a select portion of a larger study, which investigated the impact accents have on learning outcomes and perceptions of the instructor. A 2 x 2 between-subjects factorial design was conducted on the type of voice (human, synthetic) and the accent of the voice (English, Russian), and their impacts when being spoken by a virtual human. Previous research has consistently shown that instructor accents can impact learning outcomes, perceptions of the instructor, and perceptions of the learning materials. However, the current study’s results conflict with these past findings, with no effects found for the accent condition and accent familiarity having no significant impact. This study’s focus will be on the accent familiarity findings, which will demonstrate the need for further research on the impact accents have on learning, perceptions, and how increasing globalization and quality of voice may influence these outcomes.