Theory of Mind for Automated Agents

• In Event: Social Presence and Technology

Abstract

People naturally infer the intentions of others, and this inferential behavior can be extended to non-humans, such as automated agents. The act of inferring intentions is a special case of practicing theory of mind. Defined as imputing the mental states of others, theory of mind facilitates cooperation by enabling people to predict the intended behaviors of those around them and increases under conditions of uncertainty. This study explores how or if intention inferences are elicited in human-automation teams and investigates the complementary role of trust and communication.

Authors

• Lorraine Borghetti, Ohio State U

• Brahm deBuys, The Ohio State U