Algorithmic Transparency: Concepts, Antecedents, and Consequences – A Review and Research Framework

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

The widespread and growing use of algorithm-enabled technologies across many aspects of public and private life is increasingly sparking concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the inner workings of algorithms. This has led to calls for (more) algorithmic transparency (AT), which refers to the disclosure of information about algorithms to enable understanding, critical review, and adjustment. To set the stage for future research on AT, our study draws on previous work to provide a more nuanced conceptualization of AT, including the explicit distinction between AT as action and AT as perception. On this conceptual basis, we set forth to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature on AT antecedents and consequences. Subsequently, we develop an integrative framework to organize the existing literature and guide future work. Our framework consists of seven central relationships: (1) AT as action versus AT as perception; factors (2) triggering and (3) shaping AT as action; (4) factors shaping AT as perception; as well as AT as perception leading to (5) rational-cognitive and (6) affective-emotional responses, and to (7) (un-)intended behavioral effects. Building on the review insights, we identify and discuss notable research gaps and inconsistencies, along with resulting opportunities for future research.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number16
Pages (from-to)556-594
Number of pages39
JournalCommunications of the Association for Information Systems
Volume52
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85146971482
ORCID /0000-0001-6006-2594/work/142254425
Mendeley b74a822a-9262-336d-a0cc-7af98e6b7c4a

Keywords

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Keywords

  • Algorithmic Transparency (AT), AT as Action, AT as Perception, Literature Review, Research Framework

Library keywords