Elef Schellen

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Elef Schellen investigates the cognitive and social mechanisms underlying human-robot interaction (HRI), with a focus on how our brains process robots as social agents. Her work bridges social neuroscience and robotics, examining whether humans instinctively apply social cognitive processes—like those used in human-human interaction—when engaging with humanoid robots. In her highly cited 2019 paper, "Intentional Mindset Toward Robots—Open Questions and Methodological Challenges" (53 citations), Schellen critically examines the assumptions behind treating robots as intentional beings, highlighting key methodological hurdles in the field. Her 2021 study, "Robot Gaze Behavior Affects Honesty in Human-Robot Interaction" (23 citations), demonstrates that subtle robotic cues, such as gaze direction, can influence human ethical behavior, revealing the depth of our social responses to machines. By exploring how facial cues and social signals translate into HRI contexts, Schellen’s work has significant implications for designing robots that interact naturally and effectively with people. Her research is essential reading for students and scholars interested in the psychology of HRI, offering both foundational insights and practical challenges for future technology.