The Scale of Artificial Intelligence Literacy for all (SAIL4ALL): A Tool for Assessing Knowledge on Artificial Intelligence in All Adult Populations and Settings

Abstract

This study provides evidence of the psychometric quality of a new artificial intelligence (AI) literacy scale for comprehensive assessment of the concept across adult populations, regardless of the setting in which it is applied: the SAIL4ALL. It contains 56 items distributed across four themes [(1) What is AI? (a: Recognizing AI, Understanding Intelligence and Interdisciplinarity; b: General vs. Narrow); (2) What can AI do?; (3) How does AI work?; and (4) How should AI be used?], which can be used in combination or independently. Moreover, the scale is validated in two different response formats (true/false and 5-point Likert scale), each of which is applied depending on the context. The version with a true/false format is ideal for when AI literacy levels need to be assessed quickly because of its simplicity and ease of interpretation. Conversely, the 5-point Likert scale yields more nuanced responses based on the degree of confidence, providing richer insights into the respondents’ perceptions of their AI literacy. SAIL4ALL has demonstrated positive evidence of psychometric quality, and serves as a valuable tool for determining both actual and perceived knowledge of AI, thus guiding educational, organizational, and institutional AI literacy initiatives.