Algorithmic Accuracy as a Motivational Driver in Robot-Mediated Learning: A Comparative Study of Cross-Correlation and CNN-Based Sound Detection in an Interactive Quiz Game

2026-07-13

AI Summary

This study investigates how the accuracy of sound detection algorithms in educational robots influences students’ learning motivation during competitive quiz activities. Using a Pepper robot to host a buzzer-based quiz game in real classroom settings, the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a cross-correlation algorithm in identifying the first responder was compared. Student motivation was assessed via the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. The research proposes and validates an Algorithm Precision–Motivation Relationship (APMR) model, thereby extending algorithmic accuracy from a mere engineering metric to a critical educational variable. Findings indicate that the cross-correlation algorithm demonstrates superior reliability in classroom environments and significantly enhances students’ motivation across dimensions of interest, perceived competence, effort, and autonomy, while concurrently reducing perceived stress.

Abstract

In competitive learning activities, inaccurate robot decisions may reduce students' perceptions of fairness and competence, ultimately affecting their motivation. This paper investigates whether the accuracy of sound detection algorithms influences student motivation during a robot-mediated quiz game. A Pepper humanoid robot hosted an interactive buzzer-based quiz in which two sound detection approaches, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and a Cross-Correlation algorithm, were evaluated using a controlled between-subjects experiment involving 40 university students. Participants were equally assigned to a CNN group (n = 20) and a Cross-Correlation group (n = 20). Both groups completed the same quiz under identical conditions, differing only in the sound detection algorithm used for first-responder identification. Student motivation was assessed using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), while algorithm performance was evaluated through real-time detection accuracy. The results indicate that the Cross-Correlation approach achieved more reliable sound detection under classroom conditions and produced significantly higher scores across all IMI subscales, demonstrating greater student interest, perceived competence, effort, perceived choice, and lower perceived pressure (after reverse coding). These findings provide empirical support for the proposed Algorithmic Precision-Motivation Relationship (APMR) model, demonstrating that algorithmic accuracy is not merely an engineering performance metric but an important factor influencing learner motivation in robot-assisted educational environments.

Problem

• algorithmic accuracy
• student motivation
• robot-mediated learning
• sound detection
• educational robotics

Innovation

• Algorithmic Accuracy
• Robot-Mediated Learning
• Sound Detection
• Intrinsic Motivation
• Cross-Correlation