This paper explores the use of an outcome matrix as a computational representation of social interaction suitable for implementation on a robot. An outcome matrix expresses the reward afforded to each interacting individual with respect to pairs of potential behaviors. We detail the use of the outcome matrix as a representation of interaction in social psychology and game theory, discuss the need for modeling the robot’s interactive partner, and contribute an algorithm for creating outcome matrices from perceptual information. Experimental results explore the use of the algorithm with different types of partners and in different environments. Categories and Subject Descriptors I.2.9 [Artificial Intelligence]: Robotics – autonomous vehicles, operator interfaces General Terms Algorithms, Human Factors. Keywords Mental model, interaction, Interdependence theory.
Alan R. Wagner