A Psychometric Validation of the PAILQ-6: Perceived Artificial Intelligence Literacy Questionnaire

The present article introduces and implements an initial validation for the Perceived Artificial Intelligence Literacy Questionnaire (PAILQ-6), a brief tool designed to assess individuals' self-perceived AI literacy. Amidst the growing integration of AI in various aspects of life and its ethical implications, understanding AI becomes crucial for effective interaction with AI technologies. The PAILQ-6 emerges in response to the need for an accessible instrument that evaluates general AI literacy without compromising on clarity or depth, suitable for both academic and practical applications. This paper presents the development process of the PAILQ-6, consisting of six items derived from established components of AI literacy, structured as a seven-point Likert scale for easy administration and digital compatibility. The validation study was conducted from data of a gender-balanced sample of 232 UK adults. The article demonstrates the PAILQ-6's reliability and validity through exploratory factor analysis, showing a two-factor structure. The findings reveal the scale's good internal consistency and convergent validity. The study highlights demographic predictors of AI literacy perceptions, indicating a possible gender disparity and the positive influence of higher education on perceived AI competency.