Competent robots are better than incompetent humans: A new study on preschool education

While little kids often want human interactions, contact, and communication, they seem to value competence while learning new things as well.

A new study shows that they mostly prefer learning from robots that know information well than from uncertain human teachers.

Let's find out more.

An unusual study

New research from Concordia University reveals that preschoolers show a preference for learning from a competent robot over an incompetent human. 

The study compared groups of three-year-olds and five-year-olds, presenting them with objects labeled correctly by the robot and incorrectly by the human. 

While the younger children showed no preference, the older children were more likely to trust the robot's labeling. 

Competence matters

The researchers found that by age five, children prioritize learning from a competent teacher, even if that teacher is a robot. 

The study suggests that children's selective trust strategies are not influenced by the robot's physical appearance. 

The findings highlight the potential of robots as effective teaching tools in children's learning and development.
 

• Related news:
• children
• learning
• intelligence
• research
• competence
• 10 July 2023

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