Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of advanced
technologies has become pivotal in shaping how students acquire
knowledge, develop skills, and approach problem-solving. One of the most
recent and transformative tools in this domain is ChatGPT, an artificial
intelligence language model developed by OpenAI. As educational
institutions increasingly incorporate AI-driven systems, questions arise
regarding their impact on critical academic skills, particularly critical thinking
and problem-solving.
Critical thinking, characterized by the ability to analyze, evaluate, and
synthesize information logically, and problem-solving, which involves
devising effective solutions to complex issues, are essential competencies
for university students in the 21st century. While traditional pedagogical
approaches emphasize the development of these skills through structured
learning, the advent of AI has introduced new methods of interaction with
information, prompting discussions about the potential benefits and
drawbacks.
This research seeks to examine the impact of ChatGPT on the critical
thinking and problem-solving abilities of university students. With the
increasing reliance on AI for academic assistance, it becomes imperative to
assess how tools like ChatGPT influence students' cognitive processes and
whether they enhance or inhibit their capacity for independent thought and
innovative problem-solving.
Literature Review
The role of artificial intelligence in education has been widely explored,
particularly in the context of its ability to assist in learning and knowledge
dissemination. AI technologies such as ChatGPT are designed to generate
human-like text based on prompts, providing students with assistance in
understanding complex topics, generating ideas, and solving problems.
However, the influence of such AI tools on critical thinking and problem-
solving skills remains a topic of debate.
1. AI in Education: A Growing Trend
Recent research highlights the increasing adoption of AI tools in education,
with applications ranging from tutoring systems to automated feedback
(Holmes et al., 2020). Studies have shown that AI can enhance student
engagement and provide personalized learning experiences, allowing
students to learn at their own pace (Luckin et al., 2016). However, concerns
have also been raised about over-reliance on AI systems, which may reduce
students’ opportunities to engage in deep learning and reflection (Selwyn,
2019).
2. Critical Thinking and AI
Critical thinking is often defined as the ability to think clearly and rationally,
understanding the logical connection between ideas (Ennis, 2011). It involves
questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and making reasoned
judgments. Several studies have examined how AI affects this cognitive skill.
While AI tools like ChatGPT can provide quick access to information and
generate ideas, some researchers argue that these tools may encourage
passive learning, where students rely on AI-generated content rather than
engaging in the active process of analysis and evaluation (Schroeder &
Spannagel, 2021).
On the other hand, some studies suggest that AI can serve as a cognitive
aid, prompting students to think more critically by presenting multiple
perspectives or suggesting alternative solutions (Anderson et al., 2021). In
this context, AI might serve as a facilitator of critical thinking, encouraging
students to challenge the AI’s responses and further investigate the validity
of the information presented.
3. Problem-Solving and AI Assistance
Problem-solving is another crucial skill for university students, requiring them
to apply knowledge in practical and often novel ways. AI systems, such as
ChatGPT, are increasingly being used to assist students in brainstorming
solutions to problems or generating code and other outputs for technical
tasks. Research indicates that AI can support problem-solving by offering
diverse approaches to a problem, which can stimulate creative thinking
(Zhou et al., 2022).
However, there is concern that AI tools may lead to a superficial engagement
with problem-solving tasks, where students may accept AI-generated
solutions without fully understanding the underlying concepts (Bainbridge et
al., 2023). This can limit the development of deeper problem-solving skills,
which require students to critically assess and refine their approaches based
on experience and reflection.
4. The Role of Human-AI Interaction in Skill Development
The extent to which AI like ChatGPT influences critical thinking and problem-
solving also depends on the nature of human-AI interaction. If students use
AI as a complement to their learning, where they critically engage with AI-
generated responses, there is potential for enhancing both critical thinking
and problem-solving skills (Dillenbourg et al., 2021). However, if AI tools are
used as substitutes for independent thinking, there may be a detrimental
effect on students’ intellectual growth.
Conclusion
The integration of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, into the academic setting
presents both opportunities and challenges in fostering critical thinking and
problem-solving among university students. While AI can offer valuable
support in these areas, its impact is largely dependent on how students
engage with the technology. This research aims to empirically examine these
effects, contributing to a deeper understanding of the role that AI can play in
modern education and its implications for future learning strategies.
This introduction and literature review lay a foundation for exploring how
ChatGPT, as a representative AI tool, influences essential cognitive skills in
the academic environment. If you have any specific sources or additional
sections you'd like to include, feel free to let me know!
