# On the Influence of Cognitive Styles on Users' Understanding of Explanations

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.02123 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.02123/

## Key facts

- Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 5 Oct 2022.

## Built on by (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [The Impact of Imperfect XAI on Human-AI Decision-Making](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.13566/) (2023)
- [Don't be Fooled: The Misinformation Effect of Explanations in Human-AI Collaboration](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.12809/) (2024)
- [Transferring Domain Knowledge with (X)AI-Based Learning Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.01329/) (2024)
- [On the Perception of Difficulty: Differences between Humans and AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.09803/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly complex, making it difficult for users to understand how the AI has derived its prediction. Using explainable AI (XAI)-methods, researchers aim to explain AI decisions to users. So far, XAI-based explanations pursue a technology-focused approach - neglecting the influence of users' cognitive abilities and differences in information processing on the understanding of explanations. Hence, this study takes a human-centered perspective and incorporates insights from cognitive psychology. In particular, we draw on the psychological construct of cognitive styles that describe humans' characteristic modes of processing information. Applying a between-subject experiment design, we investigate how users' rational and intuitive cognitive styles affect their objective and subjective understanding of different types of explanations provided by an AI. Initial results indicate substantial differences in users' understanding depending on their cognitive style. We expect to contribute to a more nuanced view of the interrelation of human factors and XAI design.