Doppelganger-based training: Imitating our virtual self to accelerate interpersonal skills learning

Abstract

Interpersonal skills require mastering a wide range of competencies such as communication and adaptation to different situations. Effective training includes the use of videos in which role models perform the desired behaviours such that trainees can learn through behavioural mimicry. However, new technologies allow new ways of designing training. In the present study, given that virtual reality is emerging as a valuable training setting, we compare two different demonstration conditions within virtual reality by investigating the extent to which the use of doppelgangers as role models can boost trainees' interpersonal skills development as compared to a role model that does not resemble the trainees. We also assess trainees' level of self-efficacy and gender as potential moderators in this relationship. Participants delivered a speech in front of a virtual audience twice. Before delivering their second speech, they watched a role model giving a speech in front of the same audience. The role model was either their doppelganger or an avatar of the same gender depending on the condition they were randomly assigned to. Results showed that the doppelganger-based training was the most beneficial for male trainees low in self-efficacy. These findings have important implications for training design, suggesting that doppelganger-based training might be effective only for a specific subset of trainees.

Fig 1. Virtual conference room.

Virtual conference room in which participants delivered their speech. Top right of the Figure shows the view of the desk with the 3 minute countdown on the computer screen.

Fig 2. Charismatic speech view.

Example of a participant’s view of the virtual human giving a charismatic speech.

Fig 3. Meeting of the virtual person.

Example of a female participant’s view in the virtual person’s flat and who is in the unknown avatar condition.

Fig 4. Body language persuasiveness.

Bar chart reporting the estimated means and standard errors of participant body language persuasiveness related to the second speech as a function of participant gender, level of self-efficacy, and the type of virtual human. Participant body language persuasiveness related to the first speech was entered as the covariate.