On July 27, 2023, APA Services submitted comments (PDF, 30KB)opens in new window in response to a National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) request to informopens in new window the development of a roadmap for the newly established TIP, in accordance with the Chips and Science Act of 2022opens in new window. NSF, in standing up this new directorate, is requesting input to guide investment decisions on use-inspired and translational research over a 3-year timeframe.
APA Services provided input on the requested technology focus area of “artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, autonomy, and related advances.” This included building an increasing body of research to support strong, evidence-based guidelines and regulations related to the use of AI, particularly in behavioral health care. Focused on NSF’s request for use-inspired research suggestions, the association’s comments emphasized how psychologists are uniquely equipped to identify and respond to challenges seen in human society. Their expertise in representative sampling, mitigating bias in datasets, and more broadly studying the interaction between people and human-like AI is essential in furthering TIP’s mission.
NSF defines “translational research” as “ research that moves an idea, invention, and/or other research output past the fundamental discovery stage toward results and outcomes that directly benefit people through societal or economic impacts.” The comments pointed out that psychologists, specifically applied psychologists, are already contributing research that directly benefits people by demonstrating how AI is being used successfully in the workplace.
This effort is the continuation of APA Services' commitment to informing the future of technology and regulations surrounding the field of artificial intelligence.
For more information, contact Corbin Evans.