as an Artificial Intelligence Application to Support Scientific Research from the Perspective of Female Faculty Members at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the current status of employing ChatGPT as one of the artificial intelligence applications in supporting scientific research from the perspective of faculty members at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it examined the extent of faculty members’ use of the application, their perceived advantages, and the challenges they face when using it. An electronic questionnaire, developed by the researcher, was administered to a random sample of 50 female faculty members from the College of Women at the University of Hail.

The results revealed that 37.33% of the respondents demonstrated competence in using ChatGPT to support scientific research, while 8.6% reported feelings of discomfort or fear when using the application. The findings also showed that 33.93% of the participants agreed with using ChatGPT in scientific research, compared with 14.66% who rejected its use, while 7.2% expressed no interest in using it. Regarding perceived barriers, 33.8% of the respondents indicated that there were obstacles limiting the use of ChatGPT in scientific research, whereas 6.93% believed that the application offers significant advantages that support scientific research. In addition, 4.4% reported a lack of adequate skills to use ChatGPT, while 5% expressed a general rejection of its use.

Overall, the findings indicate that the majority of participants hold positive attitudes toward employing ChatGPT to support scientific research, along with a degree of familiarity and ability to use it within the academic context. The results also reflect a gradual shift in faculty members’ perceptions of artificial intelligence applications compared with previous traditional perceptions, as such applications have become more accepted and integrated into research practices. Although no directly comparable previous studies were found within the limits of the researcher’s knowledge, these findings can be interpreted in light of the growing global interest in artificial intelligence applications and their expanding use in academia, which has contributed to the formation of positive attitudes among faculty members toward adopting these modern technologies to support scientific research.