Uncovering the mechanisms of common ground in human–agent interaction
Review and future directions for conversational agent research
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12420280 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Antonia Tolzin (0009-0005-4110-4361, University of Kassel, corresponding author), Andreas Janson (0000-0003-3149-0340, University of St.Gallen) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 292-315 |
| Publication date | 2025-01-17 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Internet Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1066-2243 • E-ISSN: 2054-5657 |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1108/intr-06-2023-0514 |
| OpenAlex | W4406544378 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 63 |
Purpose Human–agent interaction (HAI) is increasingly influencing our personal and work lives through the proliferation of conversational agents (CAs) in various domains. As such, these agents combine intuitive natural language interactions by also delivering personalization through artificial intelligence capabilities. However, research on CAs as well as practical failures indicates that CA interaction oftentimes fails miserably. To reduce these failures, this paper introduces the concept of building common ground for more successful HAIs. Design/methodology/approach Based on a systematic literature analysis, we identified 38 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. We critically reviewed this body of knowledge within a formal narrative synthesis structured around the use of common ground in the interaction with CAs. Findings Based on the systematic review, our analysis reveals five mechanisms for achieving common ground: embodiment, social features, joint action, knowledge base and mental model of conversational agent. We point out the relationships between these mechanisms as they are related to each other in directional and bidirectional ways. Research limitations/implications Our findings contribute to theory with several implications for CA research. First, we provide implications about the organization of common ground mechanisms for CAs. Second, we provide insights into the mechanisms and nomological network for achieving common ground when interacting with CAs. Third, we provide a broad research agenda for future CA research that centers around the important topic of common ground for HAI. Originality/value We offer novel insights into grounding mechanisms and highlight the potentials when considering common ground in different HAI processes. Consequently, we secure further understanding and deeper insights of possible mechanisms of common ground to shape future HAI processes
Cognitive science · Common ground · Data science · AI in Service Interactions · Communication · Computer Science · Psychology · Social Robot Interaction and HRI · Speech and dialogue systems
Using Language
Mind in Society
Toward a mechanistic psychology of dialogue
A Taxonomy of Social Cues for Conversational Agents
AI literacy and its implications for prompt engineering strategies
Dialog as interpersonal synergy
Hybrid Intelligence
Grounding in communication.
A longitudinal study of human–chatbot relationships
How to leverage anthropomorphism for chatbot service interfaces
Should remote collaborators be represented by avatars? A matter of common ground for collective medical decision-making
Do (and Say) as I Say
Toward a design theory for virtual companionship
Collaborating with technology-based autonomous agents
Co-constructing intersubjectivity with artificial conversational agents
Communication Models in Human–Robot Interaction
Interactive Robots as Social Partners and Peer Tutors for Children
Machines and Mindlessness
Contributing to Discourse
Common Ground
Analysing technological affordances of online interactions using conversation analysis
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |