EFFECT OF THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON RESEARCH PRACTICES OF PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL IN PUNJAB

Abstract

The current study aims at examining the effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on research work of prospective teachers at university level in Punjab. This research explores the impact of AI tools on multiple aspects of academic research, such as research planning, literature review, data analysis, academic writing, and ethical awareness, amidst the rapid integration of AI tools in higher education. The research design used was quantitative research design and descriptive-correlational survey. The sample was a random sample of 600 students of MPhil & PhD from public and private universities of Punjab. Data was gathered using self-designed questionnaire, and then analyzed by inferential statistics. The results indicate that future teachers feel that AI is a useful tool that can increase the efficiency of teaching and learning, create a better academic product, and aid in independent learning. There was a positive attitude toward the adoption of AI, and a moderate level of proficiency in leveraging AI tools. Furthermore, the study revealed that AI has a substantial impact on enhancing research abilities, including idea generation, literature summarization, and methodological decisions, among others. But there was also a concern about overdependence, ethical use, and the necessity of having clear institutional rules. Overall, the research finds that AI is a complementary, not a replacement, technology for academic research. It highlights the need to educate teachers to be responsible with AI, incorporating AI literacy and ethical training within teacher education. The results offer suggestions for policy, practice, and institutional implementation in the effective use of AI in higher education that can contribute to academic integrity.