The Influence of Performance Feedback on Trust and Self-Confidence in Dynamically Reliable Automation

TL;DR

This study explores how performance feedback affects trust and self-confidence when working with automation that changes in reliability.

Contribution

The study reveals that performance feedback stabilizes trust and self-confidence despite automation reliability changes.

Findings

Trust and self-confidence remained stable despite fluctuations in automation reliability.

Performance feedback may reduce variability in trust perceptions over time.

Stable trust could lead to complacency and overconfidence in automation interactions.

Abstract

This study examines how performance feedback influences trust and self-confidence during interactions with dynamically reliable automation. Trust and self-confidence are crucial components of human-automation collaboration, governing reliance decisions and decision-making processes. In this experiment, 80 participants engaged with an automated assistant whose reliability fluctuated across tasks, receiving performance feedback throughout. Contrary to expectations, trust and self-confidence remained stable, showing little sensitivity to changes in reliability or feedback. This suggests that performance feedback may moderate variability in trust, stabilizing perceptions of automation over time. However, this stabilization could lead to complacency and overconfidence. To develop systems that promote calibrated trust and optimize team performance, future research should investigate individual differences in trust calibration, situational awareness, and prior experience with automation. Understanding the complex interplay between feedback, trust, and self-confidence is essential for effective human-automation collaboration in dynamic environments.

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