Estimation of the empathy levels of reader from gaze behavior during reading manga (Japanese comics)

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K03326
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 10020:Educational psychology-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Wada Yuichi 東北大学, 情報科学研究科, 准教授 (80312635)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: マンガ / 眼球運動 / 視線計測 / 共感性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

An approach that utilizes gaze information during the observation of images or videos depicting individuals' facial expressions has gained attention as a method for measuring empathy. Based on the hypothesis that "manga" serves as effective stimulus material for this purpose, the present study aims to elucidate the relationship between gaze information while reading manga and the empathic tendencies of readers. The results revealed a significant correlation between gaze data during manga reading and readers' levels of empathy. Furthermore, a manga version of the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" was developed to measure autistic spectrum tendencies. The findings of this study suggest the potential utility of gaze information during manga reading as an indicator reflecting readers' empathic dispositions.

Free Research Field

認知心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

学校や職場、あるいはネット空間上において、共感性の欠如が招く対人コミュニケーション不全やそれに起因する様々な問題が散見される昨今、共感性の測定に対する社会的ニーズは高いと思われる。本研究の学術的意義は、我が国のポップカルチャーを代表するマンガが、共感性の測定のための有効なツールとなりうることを示した点にある。また、マンガは文字情報（連続型テキスト）と絵（非連続型テキスト）が複合したテキストであり、マンガ読解の機序とそこでの個人差に関して明らかにする本研究の成果は、教育心理学や認知心理学の分野にも波及するインパクトをもつと考えられる。