The Benefits of ChatGPT in Supporting Students’ Thesis Writing: A Qualitative Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i2.12612Keywords:
ChatGPT, thesis writing, academic writing, artificial intelligence, higher educationAbstract
This study explores the perceived benefits and challenges of using ChatGPT in supporting students during the thesis writing process. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three master’s students who used ChatGPT in writing their theses. Five themes emerged: supporting research idea and topic development, organizing thesis structure and content, supporting literature exploration and conceptual understanding, supporting academic language and writing development, and supporting revision and writing efficiency. Participants perceived ChatGPT as helping them generate research ideas, organize their thesis structure, understand theory and methodology, revise drafts, overcome ideation barriers, and improve their academic writing and writing efficiency. However, participants also reported challenges, including the need to verify AI-generated references and citation information, repetitive responses, and language output that sounded overly complex or machine-generated. The study concludes that, based on these participants’ experiences, ChatGPT can serve as a valuable academic writing support tool when used critically and responsibly in higher education contexts.
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