Multinational validation of the Arabic version of the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Scale (AILS) in university students

Abstract

Background No Arabic validated scale is available to date to measure AI literacy. The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a first Arabic translation of the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Scale (AILS) among university students from four Arab countries (i.e. Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Palestine).

Methods Online cross-sectional data collection took place in July 2023 among university students (N = 1849, mean age of 21.37 ± 3.84 years, 74.3% females).

Results The Arabic version replicated the original four-factor structure of the AILS. Internal consistency reliability coefficients were excellent (Cronbach α = .92). Moreover, scalar, metric and configural invariance was supported across sex and country. Finally, concurrent validity was established through significant negative correlations of the AILS scores with levels of fear of autonomous robots and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion Making an Arabic version of the AILS available can guide course designs and development at the higher education system, to include AI in both curricula and assessment settings.