AI and Human Behavior

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds the promise of providing many services originally carried by humans, affecting many aspects of human life. While some emphasize the power and usefulness of these technologies, others point out challenges which this process raises. These challenges are not just technical limitations, but also the ability to align these complex models with human users' goals and values. The tools used by behavioral researchers and psychologists to understand human behavior and cognition are in a unique position to provide insights into machine behavior. In this course we aim to understand how AI models operate and make decisions, especially when replacing a human decision maker. Throughout the course students will develop an understanding of what artificial agents are, the difference between them and human decision makers, and the challenges and promises they hold. The course will be organized in four modules, each including a detailed discussion of a specific issue, and introducing broader topics that bear on all modules. The modules therefore build and draw from each other, providing a comprehensive view of the field of machine behavior.