"The Impact of Personality Traits and AI Anxiety on Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence
Applications in South Africa"
Module code: HRPYC81
Research Project Number: 5
Assignment Number: 3
Surname and Student Number:
Modikwe Steven
,Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................... 1
Literature Review ............................................ 2
4.1 Attitudes Towards AI Applications
4.2 Predictor Variables
4.2.1 Personality Traits
4.2.2 AI Anxiety
4.3 Theoretical Framework
Hypotheses ..................................................... 5
Research Method .......................................... 5
Ethical Considerations ................................ 5
Participants ................................................... 6
Procedure ..................................................... 6
Measurements ........................................... 6
Data Analysis ............................................. 7
References .................................................. 8
1
, INTRODUCTION
Attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) applications have become an increasingly
critical area of research as AI integrates into various aspects of daily life, from
autonomous vehicles to healthcare and employment decision-making. Understanding
these attitudes is essential not only to support responsible AI development but also to
ensure its societal acceptance. In the South African context, concerns such as job
displacement, trust, and ethical use of AI are particularly relevant given the high
unemployment rate and socio-economic inequalities. The overall research problem
focuses on identifying psychological predictors that shape public attitudes towards AI.
Specifically, this study will explore how personality traits and AI-related anxiety
influence trust and willingness to use AI technologies. These constructs will be
examined within a psychological framework to better understand the behavioural
outcomes of AI acceptance.
2
Applications in South Africa"
Module code: HRPYC81
Research Project Number: 5
Assignment Number: 3
Surname and Student Number:
Modikwe Steven
,Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................... 1
Literature Review ............................................ 2
4.1 Attitudes Towards AI Applications
4.2 Predictor Variables
4.2.1 Personality Traits
4.2.2 AI Anxiety
4.3 Theoretical Framework
Hypotheses ..................................................... 5
Research Method .......................................... 5
Ethical Considerations ................................ 5
Participants ................................................... 6
Procedure ..................................................... 6
Measurements ........................................... 6
Data Analysis ............................................. 7
References .................................................. 8
1
, INTRODUCTION
Attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) applications have become an increasingly
critical area of research as AI integrates into various aspects of daily life, from
autonomous vehicles to healthcare and employment decision-making. Understanding
these attitudes is essential not only to support responsible AI development but also to
ensure its societal acceptance. In the South African context, concerns such as job
displacement, trust, and ethical use of AI are particularly relevant given the high
unemployment rate and socio-economic inequalities. The overall research problem
focuses on identifying psychological predictors that shape public attitudes towards AI.
Specifically, this study will explore how personality traits and AI-related anxiety
influence trust and willingness to use AI technologies. These constructs will be
examined within a psychological framework to better understand the behavioural
outcomes of AI acceptance.
2
