The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Critical Thinking Skills Among Undergraduates

Abstract

This study aims to explore the influence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, namely ChatGPT, on the development of undergraduate students' critical thinking skills. Although existing literature has a tendency to discuss either the ethical concerns or performance-based implications of AI integration in learning to a large extent, a significant knowledge gap in the literature pertains to how generative AI affects students' cognitive engagement and critical thinking processes. This research bridges that gap by analysing whether AI is a facilitating learning tool or promotes overreliance and superficial thinking. This offers new insights by positioning AI not merely as a technological tool but as a cognitive partner that is capable of reshaping traditional learning tendencies. This study applied a qualitative design and semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of how Faculty of Management Studies …