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. 2020 Jul 22;8(7):e17038. doi: 10.2196/17038

Table 2.

Integrated results matrix.

Themes Quantitative data: endorsement of adjectives Qualitative data: exemplar quotes
Perceived role: Laura is more acceptable as a friendly coach than as a health professional

  • Laura was likable, n=40 (61%), friendly, n=57 (86%), and helpful, n=57 (86%)

  • Interacting with Laura made me feel comfortable, n=24 (36%)

  • Interacting with Laura made me feel guilty, n=11 (17%), and worried, n=1 (1%)

  • “A ‘neutral approach’ was ‘better’ because it ‘didn’t try and lean on any perceptions of authority.’” [ID04: Ma: 44 years]

  • “I was worried about making sure that I was within [my limits] knowing that I had to report to Laura!” [ID11: Fb: 62 year]
Perceived support: Laura provides emotional and motivational support

  • Laura was trustworthy, n=48 (73%). Interacting with Laura made me feel confident, n=14 (21%), hopeful, n=8 (12%), and happy, n=11 (17%)

  • Laura was competent, n= 56 (85%). Interacting with Laura made me feel motivated, n=29(44%)

  • “I needed somebody just to be there.” (ID15: F: 66 years)

  • “(She) used to make me laugh...and that’s hard to do.” [ID18: M: 65 years]

  • “She was keeping you on track and keeping you doing what you’re supposed to be doing.” [ID16: F: 57 years]
Character preference: Laura is engaging and her human-like character is appropriate

  • Laura was helpful, n=57 (86%)

  • Laura was competent, n=56 (85%), and trustworthy, n=48 (73%). Laura made me feel confident, n=14 (21%), and comfortable, n=24 (36%)

  • “Instead of reading it, you’re hearing it and can read at the same time. Instead of just hearing some voice, you’re actually seeing [Laura] talk.” [ID05: M: 55 years]

  • “I’m not sure I would have given the same level of credibility to, for example, a dog or a cat or something like that.” [ID04: M: 44 years]
Room for improvement: dissonance between Laura’s words and actions

  • Laura was annoying, n=20 (30%), boring, n=26 (39%), and not real, n=18 (27%)

  • Interacting with Laura made me feel frustrated, n=13 (20%)

  • “She said something, but her hand gestures were exactly the opposite of what they should have been. Like, rather than a big gesture, where a big gesture is needed, there was a little gesture.” [ID08: F: 42 years]

aM: male.

bF: female.