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Artificial Intelligence in studies—use of ChatGPT and AI-based tools among students in Germany

Author

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  • Jörg Garrel

    (Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Darmstadt, h_da))

  • Jana Mayer

    (Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Darmstadt, h_da))

Abstract

AI-based tools such as ChatGPT and GPT-4 are currently changing the university landscape and in many places, the consequences for future forms of teaching and examination are already being discussed. In order to create an empirical basis for this, a nationwide survey of students was carried out in order to analyse the use and possible characteristics of AI-based tools that are important to students. The aim of the quantitative study is to be able to draw conclusions about how students use such AI tools. A total of more than 6300 students across Germany took part in the anonymous survey. The results of this quantitative analysis make it clear that almost two-thirds of the students surveyed use or have used AI-based tools as part of their studies. In this context, almost half of the students explicitly mention ChatGPT or GPT-4 as a tool they use. Students of engineering sciences, mathematics and natural sciences use AI-based tools most frequently. A differentiated examination of the usage behaviour makes it clear that students use AI-based tools in a variety of ways. Clarifying questions of understanding and explaining subject-specific concepts are the most relevant reasons for use in this context.

Suggested Citation

  • Jörg Garrel & Jana Mayer, 2023. "Artificial Intelligence in studies—use of ChatGPT and AI-based tools among students in Germany," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:10:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-023-02304-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-02304-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yang Lu, 2019. "Artificial intelligence: a survey on evolution, models, applications and future trends," Journal of Management Analytics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 1-29, January.
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    3. Chris Stokel-Walker, 2023. "ChatGPT listed as author on research papers: many scientists disapprove," Nature, Nature, vol. 613(7945), pages 620-621, January.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Athanasios Polyportis & Nikolaos Pahos, 2024. "Navigating the perils of artificial intelligence: a focused review on ChatGPT and responsible research and innovation," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Marco Agustín Arbulú Ballesteros & Benicio Gonzalo Acosta Enríquez & Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán & Hugo Daniel García Juárez & Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas & Julio Ernesto Blas Sánchez & Julie Catherine, 2024. "The Sustainable Integration of AI in Higher Education: Analyzing ChatGPT Acceptance Factors Through an Extended UTAUT2 Framework in Peruvian Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-28, December.
    4. Ajda Fošner, 2024. "University Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions towards AI Tools: Implications for Sustainable Educational Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-15, October.
    5. Kai Guo & Chengyuan Zhan & Xiang Li, 2025. "Factors influencing Chinese college students’ intention to use AIGC: a study based on the UTAUT model," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 16(4), pages 1663-1677, April.
    6. Goran Bubaš & Antonela Čižmešija & Andreja Kovačić, 2023. "Development of an Assessment Scale for Measurement of Usability and User Experience Characteristics of Bing Chat Conversational AI," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.

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