A sociological study on the perception of artificial intelligence and robotic technology

In this study, the risk and function perceptions of social actors, who will experience the effects of artificial intelligence and robot technology, were examined. In this context, the "Artificial Intelligence and Robot Technology Perception Scale" was developed and interviews were held. The use of artificial intelligence and robots to meet the needs of society and individuals and be evaluated as beneficial; in other words, the perception of function as artificial intelligence and robot technology contributing to the smooth functioning of society and people's lives; the thought about the negative effects of the use of artificial intelligence and robots on society and individuals was evaluated as risk perception. One of the main purposes of the research is to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to measure the risk and function perception of social actors regarding artificial intelligence and robot technology. Investigation of the relationship between risk perception and function perception of social actors regarding artificial intelligence and robots with various variables and how social actors perceive artificial intelligence and robot technology are the other aims of this study. This study was designed in accordance with the mixed research method in which qualitative and quantitative studies are used together. The research was carried out with four different groups. Exploratory factor analysis with 238 people, confirmatory factor analysis with 222 people, determining relationships with 491 people and semi-structured interviews with 15 people were conducted. Personal Information Form, Interview Form, Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Technology Perception Scale were used in the study. Different analysis techniques were utilized in scale development and other processes. As a result of analyses, the scale turned into a structure consisting of 26 items with four factors. An increase in the general function perception score indicates that the perceptions of social actors towards artificial intelligence and robot technology are functional, while an increase in the general risk perception score indicates that their perceptions of artificial intelligence and robot technology are risky. In the qualitative stage of the study, the data obtained from the interviews were analysed and organized according to the themes revealed by the questions and turned into tables. In accordance with the questions used in the research, the data obtained from the interviews were defined and supported with direct quotations where necessary.