When animation becomes animated : animation and its effects on perceived realism and emotional response

In this study the effects of cartoon and non-cartoon excerpts on perceived realism and emotional response were investigated. An experiment was conducted in which children were exposed to content-identical excerpts in a cartoon and non-cartoon style. Subsequently, perceived realism and emotional were assessed. Results suggested support for the cartoon / non-cartoon manipulation affecting perceived realism of children through the ages of 6- to 12-years old, where the cartoon versions were perceived as less real in comparison to the non-cartoon versions. No support was found for differences when comparing the age groups of 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 years old. This manipulation may therefore lead to useful application in future research on this topic. Finally, no significant effects were found on emotional response.