Exploring the Correlation Between CCPS Questionnaire Scores and Utilitarian Choices in Autonomous Vehicle Dilemmas

With the more commonplace use of AVs on the roads, questions arise regarding the decisions these vehicles must take in critical situations. A scenario might happen where an AV must choose between two outcomes that potentially lead to harmful consequences. The vehicle would either have to swerve to avoid hitting pedestrians, even though it might potentially harm the passengers, or continue with its course, risking to harm the pedestrians. Utilitarian principles can influence the outcome chosen in this dilemma and will be aimed at minimizing harm and maximizing overall welfare. It is expected that people with high levels of cooperativeness and/or low levels of competitiveness would prefer to program the AV the way that it would prioritize the well-being of a bigger number of people (in this case, pedestrians). In this thesis, correlation between scores in CCPS questionnaire and utilitarian responses in AV dilemmas will be explored.

With the more commonplace use of AVs on the roads, questions arise regarding the decisions these vehicles must take in critical situations. A scenario might happen where an AV must choose between two outcomes that potentially lead to harmful consequences. The vehicle would either have to swerve to avoid hitting pedestrians, even though it might potentially harm the passengers, or continue with its course, risking to harm the pedestrian. Utilitarian principles can influence the outcome chosen in this dilemma and will be aimed at minimizing harm and maximizing overall welfare. It is expected that people with high levels of cooperativeness and/or low levels of competitiveness would prefer to program the AV the way that it would prioritize the well-being of a bigger number of people (in this case, pedestrians). In this thesis, correlation between scores in CCPS questionnaire and utilitarian responses in AV dilemmas will be explored.