What's in a name? A comparison of attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) versus augmented human intelligence (AHI)

Abstract

Background: "Artificial intelligence"(AI) is often referred to as "augmented human intelligence"(AHI). The latter term implies that computers support - rather than replace - human decision-making. It is unclear whether the terminology used affects attitudes and perceptions in practice. Methods: In the context of a quality improvement project implementing AI/AHI-based decision support in a regional health system, we surveyed staff's attitudes about AI/AHI, randomizing question prompts to refer to either AI or AHI. Results: Ninety-three staff completed surveys. With a power of 0.95 to detect a difference larger than 0.8 points on a 5-point scale, we did not detect a significant difference in responses to six questions regarding attitudes when respondents were alternatively asked about AI versus AHI (mean difference range: 0.04-0.22 points; p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although findings may be setting-specific, we observed that use of the terms "AI"and "AHI"in a survey on attitudes of clinical staff elicited similar responses.