Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Aug 15, 2023
Date Accepted: Oct 20, 2023
Usability and Efficacy of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots (ChatGPT) for Health Sciences Students: Protocol for a Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into health science students' education holds significant importance. The rapid advancement of AI has opened new horizons in scientific writing and has the potential to reshape human/technology interactions. AI in education may impact critical thinking, leading to unintended consequences that need to be addressed. Understanding the implications of AI adoption in education is essential for ensuring its responsible and effective use, empowering health science students to navigate AI-driven technologies' evolving field with essential knowledge and skills.
Objective:
This study aims to provide details on the study protocol and the methods employed to investigate the usability and efficacy of ChatGPT, a large language model (LLM). The primary focus is on assessing its role as a supplementary learning tool for improving learning processes and outcomes among undergraduate health science students, with a specific emphasis on chronic diseases.
Methods:
Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), single-blind. This protocol is part of a broader mixed-method study, with the primary emphasis of this paper being on the quantitative component of the overall research. Participants will be allocated to Group A and Group B in a 1:1 ratio using computer-generated randomization. Fifty students will be recruited for this study. The alternative hypothesis posits that there will be a significant difference in learning outcomes and technology usability between students utilizing ChatGPT (Group A) and those using standard online tools (Group B) to access resources and complete assignments. Both arms include students' participation in a writing assignment intervention with a washout period of 21 days between interventions. The primary outcome is the technology usability and effectiveness of ChatGPT, while the secondary outcome is students' perceptions and experiences with ChatGPT as a learning tool. Outcome data will be collected up to 24 after the interventions.
Results:
This research aims to understand the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating AI as an educational tool, particularly in the context of student learning. The study findings are expected to identify critical areas that need attention and help educators develop a deeper understanding of AI's impact on the educational field. By exploring the usability and efficacy of ChatGPT compared to standard online tools, this investigation seeks to inform educators and students on the responsible integration of AI into academic settings, with a specific focus on health science education.
Conclusions:
By exploring the usability and efficacy of ChatGPT compared to conventional online tools, this investigation seeks to inform educators and students on the responsible integration of AI into academic settings. Clinical Trial: NCT05963802
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Copyright
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