DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the impact of ChatGPT on postgraduate STEM education, specifically focusing on the relationship between students' usage of ChatGPT, their academic performance, and their perceptions of its effectiveness in a technical writing and presentation course.

Methodology

Correlational study design utilizing convenient sampling of 38 postgraduate STEM students enrolled in a 4th-semester technical writing and presentation course at a public sector university. Data was collected through surveys and academic records to assess ChatGPT usage, academic performance, and perceptions of effectiveness. Statistical analyses, including correlation coefficients, were employed.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Select Postgraduate STEM Students"] --> B["Administer Surveys for ChatGPT Usage and Perceptions"];
    B --> C["Collect Academic Performance Data"];
    C --> D["Analyze Data using Correlation Coefficients"];
    D --> E["Interpret Results"];
    E --> F["Draw Conclusions and Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that increased ChatGPT usage is associated with improved academic performance and more favorable perceptions of its effectiveness among postgraduate STEM students. Students' beliefs about ChatGPT's utility play a role in their academic outcomes. A feedback loop exists where increased usage leads to more positive perceptions, reinforcing further use. Demographic factors may also influence these relationships. The findings highlight the potential of AI tools to enhance STEM education, but also acknowledge limitations and suggest future research directions.

Key Findings

- A significant positive correlation (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) was found between the frequency of ChatGPT usage and academic performance.
- A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) was observed between students' perceptions of ChatGPT's effectiveness and their academic performance.
- A moderate to strong positive correlation (r = 0.57, p < 0.04) was found between ChatGPT usage and perceptions of its effectiveness.
- A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.32, p < 0.06) was found between demographic factors and study variables.

Conclusion

The study concludes that ChatGPT usage, perceptions of its effectiveness, and demographic factors are multifaceted in their relationship with academic performance among postgraduate STEM students. The positive correlations indicate that AI tools like ChatGPT can positively impact learning outcomes, and students' beliefs about these tools are important. Educators and policymakers should consider these findings when integrating AI into STEM education to create more effective and inclusive learning environments.

Fact Check

- The study involved 38 postgraduate students. (Confirmed in Methodology)
- A significant positive correlation coefficient of r = 0.65 was found between ChatGPT usage and academic performance. (Confirmed in Results and Analysis)
- The study was published in the Pakistan Research Journal of Social Sciences, Vol. 3, Issue 2, June 2024. (Confirmed in header/footer)

Mind Map