The Creation of a Theoretical Framework for Avatar Creation and Revision

The Creation of a Theoretical Framework for Avatar Creation and Revision

Dennis Beck, Cheryl Murphy
Copyright: © 2017 |Pages: 17
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1933-1.ch012
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Abstract

Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVE) are increasingly being used in education and provide environments where users can manipulate minute details of their avatar's appearance including those traditionally associated with gender and race identification. The ability to choose racial and gender characteristics differs from real-world educational environments and raises interesting questions regarding the applicability of previous racial and gender research findings. Specifically, do racial and gender categorizations found in traditional classroom research convey to virtual worlds where gender and race are controllable? To explore this issue research related to racial and gender characteristics in traditional and MUVEs environments is considered. Additionally, the theories of classification and mental categorization, media equation theory, equalization hypothesis, and Social Identification Model of Deindividuation Effects are examined as potential foundations of understanding. Results of two pilot studies conducted to determine associations of avatar appearance with gender and racial classifications are discussed in relation to the development of a theoretical framework. Implications for future investigations are discussed.
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Research on the effect of teacher avatar appearance on the enforcement of gender and racial stereotypical perceptions among students is important because of the precedent set in similar research in face-to-face environments showing that many physical characteristics are capable of evoking stereotypical perceptions and expectations, including race and gender (Braun, 1976; Brophy, 1983; Brophy & Good, 1974; Dusek, 1985; Finn, 1972; Ferguson, 2003; Auwarter & Aruguete, 2008; Wilkins, Chan & Kaiser, 2011). There is much research that shows the obstacles that racial minorities and women face in teaching. These barriers include but are not limited to social segregation, a slower pace of career development, and less mentors (Aguirre, Hernandez, & Martinez, 1994; Nakanishi, 1993; Olivas, 1988; Stanley, 2006; Stein, 1994; Turner, Gonzalez, & Wood, 2008). Bavashi et al (2010) state:

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