Gavin White

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Dr. Gavin White is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and the psychology of artificial agents, with a particular focus on the uncanny valley phenomenon. His most-cited work, a 2010 paper with 11 citations, critically examines Mori’s original hypothesis, challenging the assumption that increasingly humanlike appearances inevitably lead to aversion. White’s major contribution lies in providing empirical evidence that the uncanny valley is not a universal or well-supported effect, instead highlighting the role of context, familiarity, and individual differences in shaping perceptions of humanlike agents. This work has influenced subsequent studies on robot design and user acceptance, helping to shift the field toward more nuanced models of human-robot interaction. While his citation count is modest, his paper serves as a foundational critique that has guided researchers in rethinking the uncanny valley’s validity. White’s research is essential reading for students and scholars exploring the boundaries between human and machine, offering a rigorous counterpoint to popular assumptions about artificial agents.