The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment

IntroductionTo address the challenge of face-to-face communication in online learning, integrating pedagogical agents and emotional feedback has been proposed as viable solutions. However, research on their impact during formative assessments remains limited.MethodsThis study therefore conducted a 2...

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Main Authors: Xiaoqin Tang, Li Jiang, Guoli Liu, Hongxia Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1610550/full
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author Xiaoqin Tang
Li Jiang
Guoli Liu
Hongxia Li
author_facet Xiaoqin Tang
Li Jiang
Guoli Liu
Hongxia Li
author_sort Xiaoqin Tang
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionTo address the challenge of face-to-face communication in online learning, integrating pedagogical agents and emotional feedback has been proposed as viable solutions. However, research on their impact during formative assessments remains limited.MethodsThis study therefore conducted a 2 (Pedagogical agent: present vs. absent) × 2 (Emotional feedback: present vs. absent) experimental study using an online learning system to explore their effects on learning performance.ResultsResults indicated that pedagogical agents had a slightly negative influence on transfer scores, while emotional feedback significantly boosted engagement. When both were combined, learners exhibited the highest motivation, although this did not significantly enhance emotional perception or performance and slightly reduced transfer scores. Notably, the use of these tools shortened learning duration.DiscussionThese findings suggest that educators should exercise caution when designing pedagogical agents in online formative assessment environments to avoid potential distractions during the learning process. Meanwhile, the integration of emotional feedback may contribute to creating a more humanized digital learning atmosphere, thereby supporting learners in their online learning experience. Overall, this study provides crucial insights into the complex effects of these tools on learning in computer-based online formative assessments, guiding future design and application.
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spelling doaj-art-2a37c27a72f74ae39d2192661d6a42632025-08-20T03:09:12ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-07-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.16105501610550The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessmentXiaoqin Tang0Li Jiang1Guoli Liu2Hongxia Li3Department of Educational Technology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Educational Technology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, ChinaBaiyue Chenglong Primary School, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Educational Technology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, ChinaIntroductionTo address the challenge of face-to-face communication in online learning, integrating pedagogical agents and emotional feedback has been proposed as viable solutions. However, research on their impact during formative assessments remains limited.MethodsThis study therefore conducted a 2 (Pedagogical agent: present vs. absent) × 2 (Emotional feedback: present vs. absent) experimental study using an online learning system to explore their effects on learning performance.ResultsResults indicated that pedagogical agents had a slightly negative influence on transfer scores, while emotional feedback significantly boosted engagement. When both were combined, learners exhibited the highest motivation, although this did not significantly enhance emotional perception or performance and slightly reduced transfer scores. Notably, the use of these tools shortened learning duration.DiscussionThese findings suggest that educators should exercise caution when designing pedagogical agents in online formative assessment environments to avoid potential distractions during the learning process. Meanwhile, the integration of emotional feedback may contribute to creating a more humanized digital learning atmosphere, thereby supporting learners in their online learning experience. Overall, this study provides crucial insights into the complex effects of these tools on learning in computer-based online formative assessments, guiding future design and application.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1610550/fullonline learningpedagogical agentsemotional feedbackformative assessmentslearning performance
spellingShingle Xiaoqin Tang
Li Jiang
Guoli Liu
Hongxia Li
The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment
Frontiers in Psychology
online learning
pedagogical agents
emotional feedback
formative assessments
learning performance
title The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment
title_full The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment
title_fullStr The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment
title_full_unstemmed The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment
title_short The interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning: a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment
title_sort interaction effect of pedagogical agent and emotional feedback on effective learning a 2   2 factorial experiment in online formative assessment
topic online learning
pedagogical agents
emotional feedback
formative assessments
learning performance
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1610550/full
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