Impact of GPT Use on Essay Writing Performance and Cognitive Abilities

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HEIDELBERG · Jul 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, specifically ChatGPT, affects college students’ writing performance and cognitive abilities during analytical writing tasks. The researchers want to find out if using this AI tool helps improve students' writing or changes how much mental effort they put into their work. Participants will be randomly placed in two groups: one group will write with the help of ChatGPT, while the other group will write without any AI assistance.

To participate, you need to be a full-time university student who can read and write in English, uses a computer regularly, and does not wear glasses (though contact lenses are okay). You should not be preparing for the GRE or taking certain medications that could affect your vision or cognitive abilities. The study will take about 1.5 hours, during which you will read writing materials, complete a writing assignment, and answer some survey questions about your experience. This research could provide valuable insights into how AI tools impact learning and writing skills among students.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Full-time university student.
• • Able to read and write in English.
• • Use the computer most days of the week.
• • Have not taken, nor currently preparing for, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
• • Do not wear glasses (contact lenses are allowed).
• • Have no eye impairment.
• • Not currently taking any opioids, epinephrine, or anti-hypertensive drugs.
• • During the experiment, not wearing any makeup around the eyes.