Trust is perhaps one of the most important constructs when trying to understand human interactions with systems. As such, there has been a considerable amount of research done on factors such as individual differences in trust, environmental factors affecting trust, and even ‘contagion’ effects of trust. However, at times the literature presents results that are inconsistent with existing findings, definitions, and at times even logic, with no clear path towards reconciliation. This manuscript attempts to highlight some of these inconsistencies within individual differences (personality and gender), task and environment, and system-wide trust, while also attempting to identify outstanding questions. While this review and critique do not encompass the totality of the literature, it provides representative examples of some of the issues the study of trust is facing. For each section, we offer a series of research questions, which has resulted in 17 proposed questions that need answering. Finally, we propose 3 questions that researchers should ask in every study which may help mitigate some of these issues in the future.
Professor at George Washington University
I am a Professor with Human-Technology Collaboration and Educational Technology programs at George Washington University in Washington DC. I have written 12 books and more than 100 articles, and I co-host of the Parsing Science podcast where scientists tell the stories behind their research. I am also the developer of the WeShareScience.com online platform for sharing research videos, and SciencePods.com where researchers can create free podcasts about their science. My research interests include human interactions with intelligent machines, needs, needs assessments, and instructional design.
Latest posts by Ryan Watkins (see all)