This research explored students' trust in ChatGPT, in answering challenging trivia questions on an online multiple-choice questionnaire. Despite extensive research on ChatGPT's capabilities, a...Show moreThis research explored students' trust in ChatGPT, in answering challenging trivia questions on an online multiple-choice questionnaire. Despite extensive research on ChatGPT's capabilities, a significant gap in the literature remains regarding human trust in this AI system, particularly in educational contexts. This study aimed to assess to what extent do university students trust this novel AI, uncovering biases towards or against AI-generated responses. Using a between-subjects design, we manipulated answer source transparency and correctness. Each question presented participants with one human-generated and one AI-generated answer option. The results were analysed through paired samples and independent two-sample t-tests, alongside Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression models. The findings revealed a distinct preference for human-generated content, which persisted even when answers were incorrect. This indicated a lower level of trust in ChatGPT among our participants, implying that they did not over-rely on AI-generated content. Surprisingly, the trend leaned towards an over-reliance on human-generated responses.Show less
Despite rising economical inequalities it is still difficult to get Leftists and Rightists on the same page concerning taxes/economical redistribution. Trust and cooperation are factors that can...Show moreDespite rising economical inequalities it is still difficult to get Leftists and Rightists on the same page concerning taxes/economical redistribution. Trust and cooperation are factors that can play a big role in tax morale, could it be that Leftists and Rightists are just fundamentally different on these two elements? This study attempts to find that out. To be more specific this study explores whether Leftists and Rightists differ significantly in trust and cooperation, as measured in a context without political cues. With the use of a questionnaire, involving a Public Goods Game, Adjusted Trust Game, and ideology measure, data was gathered for the needed analyses. No significant differences were found between Leftists and Rightists on the factors trust and cooperation. What the results of this study would suggest is that there is no so called ideological asymmetry on trust and cooperation, which is in line with the proposed hypotheses.Show less
Automated vehicles are becoming increasingly important in today’s society, offering diverse advantages over manually operated vehicles. However, we can only truly benefit from them if we utilise...Show moreAutomated vehicles are becoming increasingly important in today’s society, offering diverse advantages over manually operated vehicles. However, we can only truly benefit from them if we utilise them in a safe way. Achieving safe interactions with automated vehicles depends on the passengers having an appropriate level of trust in the vehicle; this requires a process called trust calibration. Trust calibration entails that passengers rely on the vehicle when appropriate, but intervene in situations when the car’s capabilities fall short. To learn about the process of trust calibration and the factors that influence how much we trust automated vehicles, we conducted this study. Two groups of participants underwent a driving simulation, experiencing either a ride in a conventional taxi with a human driver or an automated vehicle, during which they experienced a dangerous situation. Following the incident, trust levels in both our conditions dropped; trust did not differ between the two groups, however. Additionally, we explored the potential correlation between participants’ self-esteem and trust levels, but no significant relationship was found. Our findings indicate that the dangerous situation prompted heightened caution among participants, initiating a process of trust calibration that was highly susceptible to the drivers’ or cars’ actions. Through this study we wanted to contribute to the understanding of trust calibration and shed light on factors influencing trust in automated vehicles. This knowledge can ensure the seamless integration of automated vehicles into transportation systems while considering safety and user trust.Show less
In the current study it is investigated whether environmental uncertainty influences the effect of generalized trust on cooperation. The expectations were that higher generalized trust would be...Show moreIn the current study it is investigated whether environmental uncertainty influences the effect of generalized trust on cooperation. The expectations were that higher generalized trust would be related to higher cooperation, and that this positive relationship would be even stronger when uncertainty about the cooperativeness of contributing would be introduced. The reasoning was that the environmental uncertainty would make the decision situation ‘weaker’ (i.e., vague or no cues for appropriate behavior in the situation), and therefore individuals would rely more heavily on dispositional traits. We tested this by presenting participants with public good games with and without uncertainty. While the first expectation was met, the results did not corroborate our reasoning of the second expectation. Thus, generalized trust proved to be a stable predictor for cooperation. However, it did not become stronger when uncertainty about the cooperativeness of contributing was introduced.Show less
This thesis explores the relationship between bureaucratic accountability and their disposition toward utilizing algorithms in their decision-making processes. Drawing upon the literature on...Show moreThis thesis explores the relationship between bureaucratic accountability and their disposition toward utilizing algorithms in their decision-making processes. Drawing upon the literature on government accountability and aversion to algorithmic decision-making, it hypothesizes that the more public officials are aware of the chains of accountability they are tied to, the less favorable they will be to utilizing algorithms. The hypothesis is tested through a case study of the Chilean Institute of Social Services, which employs multiple algorithms to automate eligibility decisions for pension and other social benefit applications. To trace the organization’s bureaucratic accountability chain, data collection is based on semi-structured interviews of public officials from different hierarchical levels. The results confirm several theoretical expectations on reduced discretion, muddled authority over the algorithm and algorithmic opacity, leading to blame avoidance within the organization. However, the results also disprove the hypothesized negative relationship, revealing that officials with high awareness and perceptions of individual accountability instead favor using algorithms to automate decisions. Further analysis of the dependent variable reveals that a favorable disposition toward algorithm use is overwhelmingly tied to the perception of trust. The individual descriptions of bureaucrats convey clues for an alternative explanation of the outcome, suggesting that stringent evaluation and audit practices can help circumvent algorithm aversion resulting from opaque algorithms or reduced discretion. Such a potential explanation implies that bureaucratic accountability chains could serve as a substitute source of trust, allowing public servants to hold the algorithm to account by proxy. The qualitative accounts in this thesis offer insights into how bureaucrats feel personally accountable for the algorithms they use, expanding the literature of public officials’ reliance on algorithmic decision-making.Show less
In the current study, we used a modified version of the trust game paradigm to measure the behavioural decisions of trust in an economic setting. In our study, we changed the conditions of the...Show moreIn the current study, we used a modified version of the trust game paradigm to measure the behavioural decisions of trust in an economic setting. In our study, we changed the conditions of the original trust game by adding unexpected outcomes and information (a)symmetry to more closely examine which factors may play a role in the (no) trust decisions of person A. Results of our online study (N = 150) strongly indicate that person’s A willingness to trust is higher when there is information symmetry (both persons have the same information) as compared to information asymmetry (only one of the persons has information about the exact outcome). Also, person A’s willingness to trust is higher when there are no unexpected outcomes as compared to when unexpected outcomes are present. Finally, both trust and uncertainty turned out to be the main (self-reported) drivers of person A (not) to trust person B in the trust game.Show less
The current paper studies whether domestic political equality and membership of a discriminated group influence trust in the national parliament, and whether these effects spill-over to trust in...Show moreThe current paper studies whether domestic political equality and membership of a discriminated group influence trust in the national parliament, and whether these effects spill-over to trust in the European Parliament. To do so, existing data from the European Social Survey (n=38,691) is combined with domestic political equality scores created by Freedom House. The study provides new insights as previous research has focused on different geographies, specific marginalized groups, or only on either the national or European Parliament. Results seem to indicate that domestic political equality has a significant positive relation with trust in national parliament. Additionally, members of discriminated groups show significantly lower trust in the national parliament than those individuals who do not consider themselves to be part of a discriminated group. The results also indicate a positive relationship between trust in national parliament and trust in the European Parliament. Additionally, it is shown that most of the effects of domestic political equality and membership of a discriminated group on trust in the European Parliament are mediated by trust in national parliament. Nonetheless, there are significant residual direct effects in which both domestic political equality and membership of a discriminated group negatively impact trust in the European Parliament. While membership of a discriminated group exercises a negative direct effect on both trust in national parliament and European Parliament, domestic political equality shows a positive direct effect on trust in the national parliament but a negative direct effect on trust in the European Parliament. This seems to indicate that individuals living in politically unequal countries are more likely to trust the European Parliament unless they have high trust in the National parliament, and vice versa. There also seems to be an indication that the basis upon which individuals are discriminated against influences trust in both national parliament and the European Parliament. While those discriminated based on nationality, age, disability, language and 2 3 ‘other unspecified factors’ display decreased levels of trust in both national and European Parliament, those discriminated based on sexuality display increased levels of trust but only in the European Parliament. Individuals member of a group that is discriminated against based on race, ethnic group, or gender do not display different levels of trust in the national and European Parliament compared to those who are not discriminated against. In order to ensure trust in the national parliament it seems important to strive for the social inclusion of individuals who are part of a group that is currently discriminated against. National parliament might increase the level of trust of citizens towards the parliament by maximizing domestic political equality. Furthermore, the European Parliament should aim to increase trust in the national parliament as this will likely translate into increased levels of trust in the European Parliament as well.Show less
The implementation of an Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) would eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, enhance welfare and help us face automatization. However, one of the main objections is that...Show moreThe implementation of an Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) would eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, enhance welfare and help us face automatization. However, one of the main objections is that people will free ride on a UBI, making it morally unacceptable and economically unfeasible. The moral objection holds that it is unfair for anyone to receive a UBI at the expense of others who contribute to it, without being obligated to make some proportional contribution in return or be condemned otherwise. The economic objection holds that a UBI is not feasible, because rational people will stop working or attempt to evade taxes; both of which are needed to finance a UBI. Advocates of a UBI have argued that the number of free riders is expected to be limited, but they have failed to offer a theoretical framework of human behaviour which supports these arguments. The so-called Logic of Reciprocity is such a framework. Therefore, we ask the question in this thesis ‘How can we find a solution to the collective action problem of economic feasibility of a UBI if we follow the Logic of Reciprocity? Does this model of human behaviour allow us to overcome the free rider objection of economic feasibility against a UBI?’. Subsequently, we ask the question ‘Can the moral benefits of a UBI outweigh the violation of the reciprocity principle to mitigate the moral free rider objection?’. We defend the claim that a UBI is economically feasible under high levels of trust. In addition, we defend the claim that this mitigates the weight of the moral free rider objection. In the first chapter, we establish that a UBI faces a collective action problem of economic feasibility; a UBI is a desirable collective good which cannot be achieved through collective action due to the rational free riding behaviour not to work or pay taxes. In the second chapter, we discuss two models of human behaviour to review the underlying assumptions of the collective action problem of economic feasibility. The Logic of Collective Action supports the core assumption that humans behave rationally and will always defect. The alternative Logic of Reciprocity argues that humans are moral and emotional reciprocators who defect or cooperate based on the perceived behaviour of others. We conclude that the Logic of Reciprocity offers a more accurate prediction of human behaviour in collective action. In the third chapter, we apply the Logic of Reciprocity to the collective action problem of economic feasibility of a UBI. We conclude that under high levels of trust, the majority of people will be motivated to be seen as good and cooperative and feel reassured that they will not be taken advantage of. Thus, the majority of people will continue to work and pay taxes upon receiving a UBI, making the implementation of a UBI economically feasible. Subsequently, we argue that, once a UBI is economically feasible, the harm caused by the limited number of free riders is minor compared to the harm caused by free riding behaviour in the absence of a UBI. We conclude that the moral benefits of a UBI outweigh the violation of the reciprocity principle, thus mitigating the moral objection. To achieve and maintain a high level of trust, we recommend a positive narrative, transparency of cooperation levels and limited social incentives targeted clearly at dedicated free riders.Show less
China desires to gain knowledge that is required to sophisticate its economy. This primarily involves investments in strategic sectors in Europe, which is increasingly received with anxiety and...Show moreChina desires to gain knowledge that is required to sophisticate its economy. This primarily involves investments in strategic sectors in Europe, which is increasingly received with anxiety and scepticism by European leaders. Therefore, an alternative for China to attain significant technological insights is open innovation. This research argues that this is a useful way of obtaining mutually profitable research and development. However, such a partnership requires confidence that is currently lacking. Therefore, this research answers the question: To what extent does the EU’s perception of China impede the Sino-EU cooperation on innovation? This dissertation examines this issue by analysing how the EU view on China influences trust towards this partner, and what this entails for open innovation. It is found that present preconceived negative notions on China lead to distrust. On certain issues, control mechanisms compensate for this lack of trust. However, more trust or control remains to be needed in order for future open innovation in this bilateral relationship to blossom.Show less
Technological innovation is restructuring and helping shape the way society functions. The Internet revolutionised the way people could communicate with one another on a global and instant level....Show moreTechnological innovation is restructuring and helping shape the way society functions. The Internet revolutionised the way people could communicate with one another on a global and instant level. Just over a decade ago, the Bitcoin whitepaper published under the alias Satoshi Nakamoto opened up a whole new area of technological advancement. With the coming of Bitcoin came the introduction to blockchain. Creating a peer-to-peer transaction system, based on a decentralised network in which all participants contribute to the distributed ledger was a new way of looking at traditional payment mechanisms. Blockchain technology is transparent by nature and forms the basis of many opportunities - be it instant payments, placing our trust in algorithmic computing validation, and letting go of the idea that ‘trusted’ third parties – or intermediaries - are a necessity when it comes to transferring assets from one party toanother. Given the implications blockchain could have for the traditional financial industry, this thesis aims to explore the nature of blockchain technology and its new layer of trust within the financial sector.Show less
This mixed- method research analyses how media in the case study of the disappeared Amarildo de Souza is an indicator of the perceived police legitimacy in Brazil. The methodology utilised for...Show moreThis mixed- method research analyses how media in the case study of the disappeared Amarildo de Souza is an indicator of the perceived police legitimacy in Brazil. The methodology utilised for analyses was copied from the research of Sela-Shayovitz and provided the following four indicators for police legitimacy: trust in police, police performance, interpersonal treatment and procedural-justice process (2015). By categorizing quotes, sentences and comments within the positive or negative side of these indicators, the affect media has on framing police legitimacy could be established towards the three selected timeframes. The analysed secondary sources include academic articles, as well as online newspapers, documentaries, and social media pages relating to the campaign Where is Amarildo? and the favela Rocinha. The research displayed that the first hypothesis, which assumed that the disappearance of Amarildo displays a predominantly negative coverage and leads to diminished police legitimacy, is partly true. Subsequently, the second hypothesis was that the closure of the case in February 2016 could display a mainly positive indication of police legitimacy due to the established sense of justice. It can be concluded that this assumption is false in relation to the mainstream media and partly true in relation to the grass root voices. Furthermore, the research displayed that the hypotheses that the indicators interpersonal treatment and procedural-justice process are the main indicators of police legitimacy was false. It is strongly advised to conduct more research on these four indicators, or additional variables, in order to avoid future ‘Amarildo’s’.Show less
This thesis explores the theory of recognition by Axel Honneth and whether or not a struggle in his theory is necessarily a power struggle. I distinguished three different forms of struggles in...Show moreThis thesis explores the theory of recognition by Axel Honneth and whether or not a struggle in his theory is necessarily a power struggle. I distinguished three different forms of struggles in Honneth's work: a conflict of interests, a conflict for recognition, and a collision. Only the last two are within the scope of the theory of recognition. A struggle for recognition is a situation in one is not recognized as an equal - this is a power struggle. In a collision there is mutual recognition, but a difference in how this should be expressed - this is not a power struggle. This means that a struggle in the theory of recognition is not necessarily a power struggle. In the last chapter I point out the importance of trust in order to cultivate relationships based on mutual recognition.Show less
Research master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
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One of the most intriguing plays of the Roman playwright Plautus (c. 254 – 184 BC) is his Pseudolus. In this play, the clever slave Pseudolus wants to help his young master Calidorus who is in love...Show moreOne of the most intriguing plays of the Roman playwright Plautus (c. 254 – 184 BC) is his Pseudolus. In this play, the clever slave Pseudolus wants to help his young master Calidorus who is in love with one of the prostitutes of the greedy pimp Ballio. Unfortunately, the girl has already been sold to another. Pseudolus therefore is left with only two options: 1) get enough money to buy the girl before the other buyer shows up; or 2) trick the pimp Ballio into giving him the girl. The lover’s problem instigates a performance full of deception, trickery and virtual cash flows. Pseudolus’ main occupation throughout the play is getting his fellow characters to trust him with money and belief (credere). Interestingly, this clever slave warns both his fellow characters and the audience that he is not to be trusted (caveant, ne credant mihi). The tension between this warning and Pseudolus’ actions which are the complete opposite of this warning, has serious consequences for the way the audience reacts to this play. For to enjoy a theatrical performance, it is necessary for the spectators to suspend their disbelief and temporarily take the theatrical world as a separate reality. This process can be stimulated by specific external stimuli created by the actors on stage. This concept is better known as dramatic illusion. Pseudolus’ warning does not only challenge the dramatic illusion, but also thematises it by naming three important factors within the play Pseudolus that are all connected to illusion: the audience; the producer of illusion (Pseudolus); belief and challenges to this belief (credere and cavēre). In all Plautine comedies, metatheatrical devices that challenge the dramatic illusion that was being portrayed can be found. Even more, as Plautine plays consist of quick shifts between the intradiegetical action and extradiegetical communication with the spectators, this dramatic illusion seems to be constantly under attack. The question then arises as to how a play that consciously challenges the illusion it is producing succeeds in keeping its audience involved in the play. Of all Plautine plays, Pseudolus is the most apt to answer this question, as the production and experience of illusion are thematised in the play. Pseudolus, as a producer of illusion, is asking for credit, while his audiences on and off stage are doubting whether to give him this credit or give heed to the warnings they receive. Moreover, the presence of metatheatrical comments justifies abstracting conclusions about audience experience from behaviour of characters that take on the role of audience-on-stage. On top of that, there is a doppelganger motif in the figure of Simia taking on the role of Harpax. This duplication of a performance within the play opens the possibility of looking for other doubles within and outside of the text. By exploring the way in which the three aforementioned factors (audience, producer, credere and cavēre) are connected in Pseudolus and establishing their relation to the parameters of the concept of dramatic illusion, this thesis contributes to a better understanding of the intricate ways in which dramatic illusion is undermined, stimulated, or played with in Plautus’ Pseudolus.Show less
