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Main Authors: Wecks, Janik Ole, Voshaar, Johannes, Plate, Benedikt Jost, Zimmermann, Jochen
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.19699
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author Wecks, Janik Ole
Voshaar, Johannes
Plate, Benedikt Jost
Zimmermann, Jochen
author_facet Wecks, Janik Ole
Voshaar, Johannes
Plate, Benedikt Jost
Zimmermann, Jochen
contents This study evaluates the impact of students' usage of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT on their exam performance. We analyse student essays using GenAI detection systems to identify GenAI users among the cohort. Employing multivariate regression analysis, we find that students using GenAI tools score on average 6.71 (out of 100) points lower than non-users. While GenAI may offer benefits for learning and engagement, the way students actually use it correlates with diminished exam outcomes. Exploring the underlying mechanism, additional analyses show that the effect is particularly detrimental to students with high learning potential, suggesting an effect whereby GenAI tool usage hinders learning. Our findings provide important empirical evidence for the ongoing debate on the integration of GenAI in higher education and underscores the necessity for educators, institutions, and policymakers to carefully consider its implications for student performance.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2404_19699
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Generative AI Usage and Exam Performance
Wecks, Janik Ole
Voshaar, Johannes
Plate, Benedikt Jost
Zimmermann, Jochen
General Economics
Economics
I.2
This study evaluates the impact of students' usage of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT on their exam performance. We analyse student essays using GenAI detection systems to identify GenAI users among the cohort. Employing multivariate regression analysis, we find that students using GenAI tools score on average 6.71 (out of 100) points lower than non-users. While GenAI may offer benefits for learning and engagement, the way students actually use it correlates with diminished exam outcomes. Exploring the underlying mechanism, additional analyses show that the effect is particularly detrimental to students with high learning potential, suggesting an effect whereby GenAI tool usage hinders learning. Our findings provide important empirical evidence for the ongoing debate on the integration of GenAI in higher education and underscores the necessity for educators, institutions, and policymakers to carefully consider its implications for student performance.
title Generative AI Usage and Exam Performance
topic General Economics
Economics
I.2
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.19699