Exploring the Association Between Critical Thinking Disposition and Trust in Automation

Abstract

With automated systems increasingly integrated into our decision-making on a daily basis, research into human trust in automation is therefore essential. A relationship between trust in automation and critical thinking disposition was examined in 50 participants who were administered surveys that measured those specific factors. The assessments used for measuring trust in automation and critical thinking disposition were Koober’s Trust in Automation and Critical Thinking Disposition assessment (EMI). The variables were analysed using Pearson product-moment correlation. The overall critical thinking disposition showed a moderate positive relationship with trust in automation (r = .467, p < .01). Elements of critical thinking that showed a strong positive relationship with trust in automation included cognitive maturity (r = .500, p < .01) and cognitive engagement (r = .483, p < .01). The relationship between innovativeness and trust in automation was weak but significant (r = .322, p = .011). Additional variables, including beliefs in automation reliability, understanding of automated systems, and confidence in trusting automation correlated with critical thinking tendencies and confidence in automation. This indicates that individuals with good critical thinking skills have greater confidence and trust in automation.