Publication Details
Title:
Integrating Generative AI in Contemporary Research Writing:Explorinng Postgraduates' Knowledge and Willingness to Use GenAI in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
Details:
Authors
Enoch Kabinnaa Suglo,Abubakari Mejira,Norbert Bayor,Iddrisu Nyemewero,Amoah Adongo Godfred
Abstract
Aim: In the 21st century era where academic research boundaries are increasingly blurred by
technological innovations, it is critical to understand postgraduate students' willingness to
embrace Generative AI as a research ally to reshape their scholarly work and lift their academic
writing experience to newer heights. This study assessed postgraduate students' knowledge and
willingness to use Generative AI (GenAI) as a research tool.
Methods: This study was quantitative and a cross-sectional survey research design was
employed to collect primary data from a sample of 238 selected from an accessible population
of 588. The sample members were considered using a convenient sampling method. Data were
collected through structured closed-ended questionnaire instruments which were self-designed
and piloted. The questionnaires' Cronbach's reliability coefficient was 0.913: This value
reflects a good internal consistency, as well as serves to show the robustness of the instrument
to measure the objectives of this study. The study used a period of 3 weeks to collect, clean,
and analyze the study data using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis
(SPSS 20.0).
Results: The study showed that postgraduates have a moderate to high level of knowledge (M
3.189 - 3.706) and willingness to use GenAI (M 2.966 - 3.349). A simple linear regression
analysis showed that knowledge level significantly predicted willingness to use Generative AI
for research purposes, (r² =. 023, B = 0.12, p = 0.021).
Recommendation: Educational institutions should implement targeted training programs on
GenAI tools to enhance postgraduate students’ competency and confidence in using these tools
for research.
Keywords
Generative artificial intelligence, postgraduate education, AI tools for research,
technological adoption in academia, benefits of generative AI.