Trust in Automation as a Function of Transparency and Teaming

Abstract

Information analysis is a critical piece of successful operations. As automation becomes a more common element in this analysis, it is important to understand what information should be communicated to users to promote proper use of automation. Both transparency, information regarding how and why automation functions proceed, and uncertainty may be two vital pieces of communication. Method: Twenty-six participants completed a simulated tank identification task with an automated or human teammate across 3 levels of teammate transparency. Trials varied in presence or absence of uncertainty information. Trust and performance effects were evaluated. Users were shown a terrain image and had to determine if a military tank was present in the terrain. The teammate provided a Tank Present or Absent recommendation along with transparent reasoning for the recommendation. Participants then made a tank presence judgement. Results: Transparency increased user trust as well as reaction times. Having uncertainty information increased user trust, but decreased performance accuracy. Teammate type had no significant effect on trust, accuracy, or reaction time. Discussion: The data indicate that transparency and uncertainty information can help users form an accurate mental model of teammate capabilities.