Analysis of Technology Assessment and Thinking Styles as in the Case of Humanoid Robots

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine cognitive activity regarding technology assessment thinking and thinking styles as in the case of humanoid robots. We extracted questionnaire data from 341 junior high school students. Data were analyzed from the viewpoint of the relationship between technology assessment and thinking styles, and which thinking factors effected a change in technology assessment. The result suggested that "leanings" thinking styles have a stronger influence on technology assessment thinking. In addition, the global thinking style seems to have more impact from a social point of view, and the local thinking style makes it easier to contemplate economic and ethical impact. The results of the analysis of opinion change were suggested that the negative assessments arose mainly from the concern around potentially negative human relationships with humanoid robots.