ANIMALS IN ANIMATION: DEEPENED ANALYSIS ON ANTHROPOMORPHIZATION AND THE UNCANNY VALLEY : A continuation and improvement upon previous study of realistic 3D animal anthropomorphization triggering the uncanny valley effect

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between the uncanny valley effect and perceived facial expressions in anthropomorphized virtual animals. This thesis builds upon previous research by the author in the hopes of addressing previously identified limitations and reinforcing the data of the earlier study. The aim is to examine whether the uncanny valley effect can be triggered by a mismatch between realistic and stylized facial animations applied to a realistic or stylized 3D animal, and if this effect varies depending on the expression portrayed. A research questionnaire was used to assess whether participants experience uncanniness when there is a discrepancy between the level of realism and stylization in the animation of virtual animals. The findings of the study indicated that the hypothesis is true even with the additional improvements and greater scrutiny concluding that the study will contribute to the understanding of the uncanny valley effect in relation to anthropomorphized virtual animals.