Factors influencing undergraduates’ ethical use of ChatGPT: a reasoned goal pursuit approach

Abstract

The widespread use of large language models, such as ChatGPT, has changed the learning behaviours of undergraduate students, raising issues of academic dishonesty. This study investigates the factors that influence the ethical use of ChatGPT among undergraduates using the recently proposed Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit. Through a qualitative elicitation procedure, 26 salient beliefs were identified, representing procurement and approval goals, advantages and disadvantages, the social influence, and factors facilitating and hindering ethical use of ChatGPT. A subsequent, two-wave quantitative survey provided promising evidence for the theory, revealing that positive attitudes and subjective norms emerged as key antecedents of motivation to use ChatGPT ethically. Likewise, motivation and perceived behavioural control were strong predictors of intentions to do so. The study discusses the implications for future research regarding this timely issue. It emphasizes the potential of these findings in developing effective interventions that encourage ethical use of large language models within tertiary education. Additionally, it highlights the usefulness of the TRGP in investigating educational-related intentions and behaviours.