Research Skills and AI Tool Use in Research Writing: A Correlational Study Among SHS Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22182662Keywords:
Research skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI tool usage, Research Writing, Academic WritingAbstract
This study examined the relationship between the research skills of Senior High School (SHS) students and their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in research writing at Balayang High School during School Year 2025–2026. Grounded in the Department of Education’s vision of developing critical, independent, and innovative learners, the research addressed the growing integration of AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot in academic writing. A descriptive-correlational mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative data from 74 Grade 12 students and qualitative insights from 10 purposively selected participants. Standardized instruments, including the Research Skills Scale and an AI usage questionnaire, were used alongside semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that students demonstrated moderate proficiency in research skills, particularly in problem identification, literature review, and methodology, while showing lower confidence in higher-order competencies such as statistical analysis and conceptual framework development. AI tools were widely used, primarily to support writing, idea generation, and editing tasks. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.591, p < .001) was found between AI tool usage and research skills, suggesting that AI can enhance research-related competencies when used appropriately. However, both quantitative and qualitative results highlighted concerns regarding overreliance, accuracy, and ethical use of AI. Students perceived AI as a supportive tool that improves efficiency and writing quality but emphasized the importance of maintaining critical thinking and academic integrity. The study concludes that while AI tools offer benefits, balanced and guided integration is essential to ensure the development of independent research skills among SHS learners.
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