The Role of AI Literacy for Human-AI Collaboration – Measurement, Design Features, and Impact (AI Literacy)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Alexander Benlian
• Subject Area: Operations Management and Computer Science for Business Administration
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 557638935

The project seeks to address the increasing necessity for specific literacy to use and manage AI technologies effectively and responsibly. AI literacy, defined as the set of competencies enabling individuals to critically evaluate AI technologies, communicate and collaborate effectively with AI, and use AI tools across various contexts, has become crucial due to the unique challenges posed by AI, such as autonomy, learning, and inscrutability. These challenges significantly impact the relationship between humans and technology, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of AI literacy to ensure ethical and efficient AI usage. The project proposes three research questions to address current shortcomings in AI literacy research. Firstly, it aims to conceptualize and measure AI literacy on a user-group-specific level, as current research lacks a clear framework and reliable measurement instruments. Existing assessments are often failed to consider the diverse needs of different user groups. Secondly, the project examines the effects of AI literacy on human attitudes toward AI and collaborative performance in work and educational settings, seeking to understand the moderating factors influencing these outcomes. Mixed findings in existing studies highlight the need to explore how specific aspects of AI literacy contribute to collaborative performance under different conditions. Lastly, the project aims to design and evaluate IT features that complement AI literacy, as current research often isolates the study of human enablement and technological features. An integrated approach will help identify how IT features can enhance AI literacy, leading to improved human-AI collaboration. The methodological approach of the project is guided by the "transfer of learning" paradigm, which emphasizes the acquisition and application of AI literacy. Schema theory, focusing on cognitive structures in human memory, will serve as the theoretical framework, suggesting that AI literacy, as a cognitive schema, impacts outcomes such as attitudes toward AI and collaborative performance. In conclusion, this project aims to advance the understanding of AI literacy and its role in human-AI collaboration by addressing significant research gaps. By developing a robust conceptual framework, reliable measurement instruments, and integrated design solutions, the project seeks to improve collaborative performance and responsible AI usage across various contexts.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants