Psychological Perspectives in Human–Robot Interaction

Human–robot interaction (HRI) is a complex and dynamic process that engages a wide array of psychological mechanisms, including social communication, trust formation, emotional resonance, and cultural adaptation. This paper outlines five key theoretical models that offer in-depth perspectives on the psychological foundations of social robotics: Breazeal’s (2003) model of socially motivated interaction, Hancock et al.’s (2011) trust model in HRI, Bartneck et al.’s (2007) model of anthropomorphism and user expectations, Li’s (2015) cultural mediation model, and Mutlu et al.’s (2009) model of joint meaning-making. By analyzing these models, the study reveals the multifaceted nature of human–robot dynamics and their practical implications in fields like education and therapy. The comparative analysis shows how these frameworks complement each other in guiding the development and implementation of socially intelligent, emotionally engaging, and culturally adaptive robotic systems. Special attention is given to the integration of these models in academic contexts, highlighting their role in enhancing student engagement, trust in educational technologies, and intercultural inclusivity.