Scale for the Assessment

of Non-experts’ AI Literacy (SNAIL)

This 5-10 minute assessment is intended to be used by non-experts and can be applied in a variety of educational (i.e., high school and beyond) and professional settings. You will have an opportunity to view and save a table of your results before you submit. Your results will also be retained for research purposes.
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This assessment is anonymous & will be used for research purposes.

This is an anonymous assessment. The information below is saved for research purposes only, and cannot be used to identify you. You will be able to see your results and how you compare when you submit a completed assessment, and can take the assessment as many times as you like.

Rate Your Competency

Please rate your competency on a scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. Think of your competency as your ability to critically evaluate AI technologies, communicate and collaborate effectively with AI, and use AI as a tool online, at home, and in the workplace.
I can tell if the technologies I use are supported by artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can name examples of technical applications that are supported by artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain the differences between human and artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain the difference between general (or strong) and narrow (or weak) artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can evaluate whether media representations of AI (e.g., in movies or video games) go beyond the current capabilities of AI technologies.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can name weaknesses of artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
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Slightly Agree
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Strongly Agree
I can name strengths of artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe advantages that can come from using artificial intelligence systems.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the future.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can distinguish AI applications that already exist from AI applications that are still in the future.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain how AI applications make decisions.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
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Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain how machine learning works at a general level.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe how machine learning models are trained, validated, and tested.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
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Slightly Agree
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Strongly Agree
I can explain the difference between 'supervised learning' and 'unsupervised learning' (in the context of machine learning).
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain how 'reinforcement learning' works on a basic level (in the context of machine learning).
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain how deep learning relates to machine learning.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain what the term 'artificial neural network' means.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can critically evaluate the implications of artificial intelligence applications in at least one subject area.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe why humans play an important role in the development of artificial intelligence systems.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe how some artificial intelligence systems can act in their environment and react to their environment.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain how sensors are used by computers to collect data that can be used for AI purposes.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can name applications in which AI-assisted natural language processing/understanding is used.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can identify ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain what the term 'black box' means in relation to artificial intelligence systems.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe how biases arise in AI systems.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can critically reflect on the potential impact of artificial intelligence on individuals and society.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain why AI has recently become increasingly important.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain how rule-based systems differ from machine learning systems.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can assess if a problem in my field can and should be solved with artificial intelligence methods.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe what artificial intelligence is.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe the concept of explainable AI.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain why data security must be considered when developing and using artificial intelligence applications.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain why data privacy must be considered when developing and using artificial intelligence applications.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
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Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe the concept of big data.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can give examples from my daily life (personal or professional) where I might be in contact with artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can explain what an algorithm is.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I can describe potential legal problems that may arise when using artificial intelligence.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Attention check: Please check “Somewhat disagree" (3) for this item (third box from the left).
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
I count myself among the top 10 AI researchers in the world.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Slightly Disagree
Neutral
Slightly Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree

Tell us about yourself

This is an anonymous survey. The information below is collected for research purposes only, and cannot be used to identify you.
Is this your first time taking this assessment?
I was honest with the answers I provided.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
I would call myself an AI expert.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
I work with AI at my job and / or learn about AI through my education.
NeverSometimesOften
Never
Sometimes
Often
How do you identify your gender?
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Credit to the Authors

SNAIL was developed by four researchers at the University of Bonn, Germany.: Matthias Carl Laupichler, Alexandra Aster, Nicolas Haverkamp, and Tobias Raupach. Their research is open-access and available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958823000714

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