Automation Bias and the “Goldilocks Effect” in Auditing Blockchain

Abstract

Blockchain technology appears to have unique characteristics such as inherent trust, immutability, transparency, and tighter security that might facilitate the audit process. Using a survey of AICPA members, we examine responses to the evaluation of audit evidence related to management assertions in a blockchain-enabled environment. We posit three possible effects pertaining to reliance on audit evidence in blockchain-enabled environments: (1) Goldilocks Effect (no automation bias) or the ideal scenario where auditors exhibit “just right” levels of professional skepticism and due care resulting in an optimal level of auditing; (2) Halo Effect or positive automation bias, which potentially results in over-reliance on evidence and, in turn, underauditing and; (3) Hype Effect or negative automation bias, which potentially results in under-reliance on evidence and, in turn, overauditing. Our results suggest that respondents to our survey are predominantly influenced by the Halo Effect, indicating a propensity for positive automation bias across management assertions.