The Relationship Between ChatGPT Dependency and Critical-Thinking Skills among Third-Year Psychology Students
Authors: Jerwyn Marie Cayas, Lambbymhar Babida, Laica Mae Malipay, Janica Matre, Maureen Mendoza
Advisers
Jolly A. Miguel, EdD
Discipline
Psychology
Abstract
As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in education, concerns about students' cognitive development grow. Many people believe that excessive reliance weakens independent thinking. This study investigates the relationship between ChatGPT dependency and critical thinking skills among 227 psychology students at Bestlink College of the Philippines, determining whether AI impedes or promotes intellectual development. A descriptive-correlational quantitative research design was used to examine the variables without manipulation. Purposive sampling was used to select the aforementioned participants based on their actual academic experience with ChatGPT. The data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire. A Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to ensure statistical accuracy. For non-normally distributed data (p < 0.05), the nonparametric Spearman's rho (rs) was used to analyze the correlation between variables. The study revealed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between ChatGPT dependency and critical thinking skills (rs = 0.35, p < 0.001). This contradicts the assumption that AI dependency weakens cognitive abilities; instead, higher reliance was associated with higher critical thinking levels. The strongest correlations appeared in Reading (rs = 0.44, p < 0.001) and Writing (rs = 0.36, p < 0.001). The relationship in Numeracy was weaker but still significant (rs = 0.16, p = 0.01). Consequently, the null hypothesis was rejected across all domains. The findings suggest that ChatGPT serves as a cognitive support tool for complex concepts and reasoning. AI appears to be more effective for language-based tasks than numeracy. One study limitation is the reliance on self-reports. Future research should look into longitudinal effects. Institutions should encourage guided AI use to improve critical thinking.
Keywords
Higher Education, psychology students, ChatGPT Dependency, Critical Thinking Skills, AI-Integrated Learning
How to Cite
Use the format below when citing articles from this publication.
APA 7th Edition
Babida, L., Cayas, J. M., Malipay, L. M., Matre, J., & Mendoza, M. (2026). The Relationship Between ChatGPT Dependency and Critical-Thinking Skills among Third-Year Psychology Students. Ascendens Asia Singapore – Bestlink College of the Philippines Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts, 8(4), 140-140. Retrieved from https://ascendens.asia/AASgBCPJMRA/8/4/1432
Ascendens Asia Singapore – Bestlink College of the Philippines Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts (AASgBCPJMRA)
The Ascendens Asia Singapore–Bestlink College of the Philippines Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts (AASgBCPJMRA) compiles abstracts of research papers presented at Multidisciplinary Research Fests primarily organized by Ascendens Asia Singapore in partnership with Bestlink College of the Philippines.
Volumes
8 volumes
Issues
6 issues
ISSN
2661-4472
Publisher
Ascendens Asia Publishing Pte. Ltd.