Understanding “Minds” of the Machines: Exploring the Role of Psychology in Fostering the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Contemporary Times

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral aspect of human lives in contemporary times. It has applications in virtually every field, like healthcare, education, and security. While it continues to flourish, AI is not flawless. The increasing complexity of AI systems has led to the emergence of a critical issue known as the “black box problem” wherein the inner workings of these systems remain opaque and difficult to interpret. This opacity hampers our understanding of AI decision-making processes and raises concerns regarding accountability, transparency, and trustworthiness. Furthermore, in certain areas, artificial intelligence is still far behind human cognition. Psychology, which has its roots in human cognition, behaviour, and emotion, offers a sophisticated lens through which AI devices might be given more transparency and clarity. This paper explores the interdisciplinary field of artificial cognition, which assimilates cognitive psychological principles in modern AI. Through a comprehensive analysis of artificial cognition techniques and their implications for artificial intelligence, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on mitigating the black box problem and advancing the responsible development and deployment of AI technology. The larger goal served by this paper is the presentation of how the discipline of psychology is relevant and even necessary in a world dominated by AI.