Integrating the adapted UTAUT model with moral obligation, trust and perceived risk to predict ChatGPT adoption for assessment support: A survey with students

• Published in: Computers and education. Artificial intelligence 2024-06, Vol.6, p.100246, Article 100246
• Main Authors: Lai, Chung Yee, Cheung, Kwok Yip, Chan, Chee Seng, Law, Kuok Kei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2666-920X; 2666-920X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100246

ChatGPT stands out among other AI technology tools to provide assessment support in the higher education context. This exploratory study investigates the motivators and barriers which influence the use intention of ChatGPT for assessment support among undergraduates in Hong Kong. We tested the adapted and extended UTUAT model using the structural equation modeling approach. Through self-report online questionnaire, we received usable responses from 483 undergraduates of eight Hong Kong universities. In a highly competitive Chinese context, assessment results hold immense significance in determining the value and merit of students. The findings reveal that trust acts as the strongest determinant while moral obligation and perceived risk serve as major inhibitors to students’ acceptance of ChatGPT in assessments. Perceived risk does not mediate the relationship between trust and students’ behavioral intention. Both performance expectancy and effort expectancy positively influence behavioral intention to use ChatGPT for assessment support. However, social influence is found to be statistically insignificant. The results contribute to the education literature by extending the adapted UTAUT model with additional variables for ChatGPT adoption in the assessment context. They offer practical insights to promote ethical and optimal use of ChatGPT in the higher education context. •Trust is the strongest predictor of ChatGPT adoption in assessments.•Moral obligation is the strongest barrier of ChatGPT acceptance for assessment support in the Chinese high-stakes context.•Perceived risk is a significant demotivator of ChatGPT acceptance in assessment setting.•However, perceived risk is not a mediator between trust and use intention.•Recommending clear guidelines on responsible use of ChatGPT and university workshops about ethical AI adoption in assessments.