@article{WienrichCarolus2021,
  author    = {Wienrich, Carolin and Carolus, Astrid},
  title     = {Development of an Instrument to Measure Conceptualizations and Competencies About Conversational Agents on the Example of Smart Speakers},
  series = {Frontiers in Computer Science},
  volume    = {3},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Computer Science},
  doi       = {10.3389/fcomp.2021.685277},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260198},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {The concept of digital literacy has been introduced as a new cultural technique, which is regarded as essential for successful participation in a (future) digitized world. Regarding the increasing importance of AI, literacy concepts need to be extended to account for AI-related specifics. The easy handling of the systems results in increased usage, contrasting limited conceptualizations (e.g., imagination of future importance) and competencies (e.g., knowledge about functional principles). In reference to voice-based conversational agents as a concrete application of AI, the present paper aims for the development of a measurement to assess the conceptualizations and competencies about conversational agents. In a first step, a theoretical framework of "AI literacy" is transferred to the context of conversational agent literacy. Second, the "conversational agent literacy scale" (short CALS) is developed, constituting the first attempt to measure interindividual differences in the "(il) literate" usage of conversational agents. 29 items were derived, of which 170 participants answered. An explanatory factor analysis identified five factors leading to five subscales to assess CAL: storage and transfer of the smart speaker's data input; smart speaker's functional principles; smart speaker's intelligent functions, learning abilities; smart speaker's reach and potential; smart speaker's technological (surrounding) infrastructure. Preliminary insights into construct validity and reliability of CALS showed satisfying results. Third, using the newly developed instrument, a student sample's CAL was assessed, revealing intermediated values. Remarkably, owning a smart speaker did not lead to higher CAL scores, confirming our basic assumption that usage of systems does not guarantee enlightened conceptualizations and competencies. In sum, the paper contributes to the first insights into the operationalization and understanding of CAL as a specific subdomain of AI-related competencies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{CarolusWienrich2022,
  author    = {Carolus, Astrid and Wienrich, Carolin},
  title     = {"Imagine this smart speaker to have a body": An analysis of the external appearances and the characteristics that people associate with voice assistants},
  series = {Frontiers in Computer Science},
  volume    = {4},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Computer Science},
  issn      = {2624-9898},
  doi       = {10.3389/fcomp.2022.981435},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-297175},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Introduction Modern digital devices, such as conversational agents, simulate human-human interactions to an increasing extent. However, their outward appearance remains distinctly technological. While research revealed that mental representations of technology shape users' expectations and experiences, research on technology sending ambiguous cues is rare. Methods To bridge this gap, this study analyzes drawings of the outward appearance participants associate with voice assistants (Amazon Echo or Google Home). Results Human beings and (humanoid) robots were the most frequent associations, which were rated to be rather trustworthy, conscientious, agreeable, and intelligent. Drawings of the Amazon Echos and Google Homes differed marginally, but "human," "robotic," and "other" associations differed with respect to the ascribed humanness, consciousness, intellect, affinity to technology, and innovation ability. Discussion This study aims to further elaborate on the rather unconscious cognitive and emotional processes elicited by technology and discusses the implications of this perspective for developers, users, and researchers.},
  language  = {en}
}