Abstract: This study investigates the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on academic performance among students of Rivers State University (RSU). It aims to evaluate AI’s role in enhancing learning, assignments, and research tasks while exploring potential drawbacks such as over-reliance on technology, academic dishonesty, and its effects on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The study was anchored on Technological Determinism Theory. Using a cross-sectional survey method, data was collected through questionnaires distributed to a cluster-sampled student population. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze students’ levels of AI access, utilization, and attitudes towards its use in academic contexts. Findings reveal high AI tool accessibility (83.8%), underscoring its integration into students’ routines. While students acknowledge AI’s positive impact on productivity, 41.9% of respondents expressed concerns about the technology’s effect on critical thinking skills, as reliance on AI may impede independent analysis. Additionally, ethical issues emerged, with a significant number of students perceiving AI as a risk to academic integrity. Based on these findings, the study recommends establishing ethical guidelines, enhancing AI literacy, and fostering activities that promote critical thinking. Limitations include the study’s cross-sectional design, suggesting the need for further research across diverse contexts and longitudinal studies to better understand AI’s long-term impact on student learning.
Table of Contents
Title Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Contents vi
Abstract viii
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 3
1.3 Objectives of the Study 4
1.4 Research Questions 5
1.5 Significance the Study 5
1.6 Scope of the Study 5
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms 6
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review
2.1 Empirical Framework 7
2.2 Conceptual Review 8
2.3 Theoretical Framework 24
CHAPTER THREE: Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design 26
3.2 Research Method 26
3.3 Study Population 27
3.4 Sample Size 27
3.5 Sampling Technique 27
3.6 Data Collection Instrument 27
3.7 Validity and Reliability of Research Instrument 27
3.8 Data Collection Instrument 28
3.9 Method of Data Analysis 28
CHAPTER FOUR: Data Analysis and Presentation
4.1 Data Analysis 29
4.2 Demography of the Participants 29
4.3 Discussion of Findings 39
CHAPTER FIVE: Summary, Conclusion, Recommendations and Limitations
5.1 Summary 41
5.2 Conclusion 41
5.3 Recommendations 41
5.4 Limitations
References
Appendix