Prediction of the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Through ChatGPT Among Costa Rican University Students: A PLS Model Based on UTAUT2

The rise in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is transforming education, with tools like ChatGPT enhancing learning, content creation, and academic support. This study analyzes ChatGPT’s acceptance among Costa Rican university students using the UTAUT2 model and partial least squares struct...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Cabero Almenara, Julio, Palacios Rodríguez, Antonio de Padua, Rojas Guzmán, Hazel de los Ángeles, Fernández Scagliusi, Victoria
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/170642
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/170642
https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063363
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:AI acceptance
UTAUT2
Higher education
Digital literacy
Descripción
Sumario:The rise in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is transforming education, with tools like ChatGPT enhancing learning, content creation, and academic support. This study analyzes ChatGPT’s acceptance among Costa Rican university students using the UTAUT2 model and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The research examines key predictors of AI adoption, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention, and actual usage. The findings from 194 students indicate that performance expectancy (β = 0.596, p < 0.001) is the strongest predictor of behavioral intention, followed by effort expectancy (β = 0.241, p = 0.005), while social influence (β = 0.381, p < 0.001) and facilitating conditions (β = 0.217, p = 0.008) play a smaller role. Behavioral intention significantly influences actual usage (β = 0.643, p < 0.001). Gender and age differences emerge, with male students and those aged 21–30 years showing higher acceptance levels. Despite positive attitudes toward ChatGPT, the students report insufficient training for effective use, underscoring the need for AI literacy programs and structured pedagogical strategies. This study calls for further research on AI training programs and their long-term impact on academic performance to foster responsible GenAI adoption in higher education ChatGPT; AI acceptance; UTAUT2; Higher education; Digital literacy