Course content

The Psychology of AI is a comprehensive course that investigates the complex interrelationship between artificial intelligence systems and human cognitive and emotional functions. This course focuses on a comprehensive investigation of the ways in which AI models emulate or diverge from human cognitive and emotional processes, thereby enhancing insight into both domains. Specifically, it will investigate how AI algorithms approach various cognitive functions, including problem-solving, decision-making, learning, memory, attention, and perception, in comparison to human strategies. For example, the course how AI systems process and generate language (i.e. LLMs), as opposed to how humans acquire and use language in relation to memory. Furthermore, creativity and innovation are key areas of study, with discussions on the comparison of AI-generated art, music, and solutions with human creativity. Emotions represent a core element of the human nature, hence it is essential to understand how AI strives to discern, emulate, or respond to human emotional states, as well as the ramifications of affective computing. Social interaction is scrutinized through a comparison of human social cognition, encompassing empathy, theory of mind, and social norms, with the capabilities of AI in chatbots and social robots. By offering a comprehensive examination of these subjects, the course furnishes students with the expertise to assess the psychological implications of AI technologies and their influence

Learning outcome

Learning outcome:

• Knowledge:

• The student will gain an understanding of the interaction between AI systems and human cognition and emotions.

• The student will learn how AI algorithms approach cognitive and emotional functions compared to human strategies.

• The student will gain insight into the nature of artificial intelligence (AI) itself as a phenomenon.

Skills:

• The student is able to improve human-computer interaction by applying psychological principles.

• The student is able to provide insights into ethical AI development focused on human well-being and contribute to AI-driven technologies in mental health.

• The student can participate in discussions about AI's role in psychology and society, ensuring that AI applications promote psychological health and align with human values.

General Competence:

• The student can explain how AI systems and models are structured.

• The student can understand how human cognitive mechanisms are emulated by AI models.

• The student can place the role of AI technology within a sustainable society.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and studentpresentations

Compulsory assignments

• Student presentation including an extended summary of 1000 words

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Krever opptak til studieprogram: Psykologi (MPSY) - studieretning i Psykologisk vitenskap og Teknologi