A multinational study on the factors influencing university students’ attitudes and usage of ChatGPT

PROJECT TITLE

A multinational study on the factors influencing university students’ attitudes and usage of ChatGPT

1. Research Summary (Abstract):

This multinational cross-sectional study investigated what influences Arab university students’ attitudes toward and use of ChatGPT. Using the TAME-ChatGPT survey with 2,240 students from Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan, the study found that positive attitudes and usage were associated with perceived ease of use/usefulness, positive attitudes toward technology, social influence, and lower anxiety and perceived risks. The study confirmed the adequacy of TAME-ChatGPT constructs using confirmatory factor analysis, and showed that attitudes differed significantly by country, age, university type, and academic performance.

2. Background and Motivation:

 AI tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly entering higher education, with the potential to reshape learning and teaching. At the same time, their use is debated due to ethical concerns, misinformation risk, and academic integrity issues.

Gap in knowledge/need: There was limited evidence from Arab-speaking countries on what drives student adoption and attitudes toward ChatGPT, and a validated measurement tool was needed to assess determinants of adoption in this context.

3. Objectives:

  • 1) Analyze the extent and determinants of ChatGPT usage among university students in Arab-speaking countries.
  • 2) Confirm the validity of the TAME-ChatGPT survey instrument for assessing adoption determinants.
  • 3) Identify whether factors such as country, age, university type, and GPA influence ChatGPT usage/attitudes.

4. Methods and Approach:

Approach: Cross-sectional online survey using the validated TAME-ChatGPT instrument, distributed electronically (Google Forms) across multiple Arab countries during 24 April–15 August 2023.

​Key techniques:

  • – Convenience sampling via social media and author academic networks
  • – Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate construct validity
  • – Multivariable regression to determine predictors of ChatGPT usage scores

​5. Key Findings:

  • 1) The final sample included 2,240 participants; 46.8% had heard of ChatGPT, and among them 52.6% had used it before the study.
  • 2) Students showed a generally positive attitude toward ChatGPT and its use.
  • 3) ChatGPT usage scores differed by country and age, and were associated with academic performance (GPA). Students outside Egypt had lower usage scores, and older age predicted lower usage.

6. Outcomes and Impact Highlights:

  • Academic: Validates TAME-ChatGPT as a practical tool for assessing ChatGPT adoption in higher education.
  • Societal / Economic: Supports institutions in understanding student readiness and barriers (risk perception, anxiety), which informs responsible AI literacy strategies.
  • Policy / Practice: Suggests policies for ChatGPT adoption should be tailored to context and student differences across countries.

7. Evidence of Impact:

  • Published in Scientific Reports (2024) with DOI listed in the article header.
  • Data available upon request from the corresponding author.
  • Ethics approval obtained from Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University (approval 2023-PHA-21).

8. Funding and Support:

A funding/grant: Applied Science Private university. 

Confirmed institutional support includes ethics approval via ASU IRB (2023-PHA-21).

9. Supporting Materials / URLs:

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52549-8 ​

10. Academic profile:

Name: Dr. Muna Mojahed Barakat

Affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University (ASU), Amman, Jordan

ASU Profile URL: https://www.asu.edu.jo/en/Pharmacy/M_barakat/Pages/default.aspx 

11. Project partners (if any):