Research Reveals: How University Students Use ChatGPT to Enhance Critical Thinking

When ChatGPT entered university campuses, educators worried that students would stop thinking for themselves. But groundbreaking research from Medan State University tells a different story—one where students are actually developing critical thinking skills through their engagement with AI.

Published in 2024 by researchers studying at Mandailing Global Edukasia, this study provides fascinating insights into how today's university students really use ChatGPT for their academic work.

The Research: Real Students, Real Insights

Study Background

The research was conducted at Medan State University, where ChatGPT became prevalent among students following the shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers observed that most students were using AI in their assignments and wanted to understand how they were using it.

Methodology

The study employed a descriptive quantitative approach, collecting data through Google Forms distributed across multiple departments:

• 20 participants from diverse study programs
• Students from Building Engineering, German Language Education, Culinary Education, and Electrical Engineering
• Data collected over a 4-day period in May-June 2024

The Surprising Findings

Most Students Think Critically When Using ChatGPT

Contrary to fears about student laziness, the research revealed that the majority of students engage in critical thinking when using ChatGPT:

Only 5 out of 20 participants (25%) admitted to directly copying and pasting ChatGPT answers. The rest demonstrated critical engagement by:

• Seeking expert opinions to verify AI-generated information
• Adding their own answers and unique perspectives
• Paraphrasing responses in their own words
• Analyzing ChatGPT output before incorporating it

Why Students Use ChatGPT

The research identified several key motivations:

1. Ease of access – ChatGPT is available 24/7 on any device
2. Managing workload – Helps when assignments are piling up
3. Finding references – Useful when traditional sources aren't available
4. Time efficiency – Provides quick starting points for research

Student Perception of ChatGPT in Education

An overwhelming 80% of students reported that ChatGPT genuinely helped their educational experience.

The Key Insight: Analysis and Paraphrasing Build Skills

The researchers concluded that students improve their critical thinking through two key activities:

1. Analysis of ChatGPT Results

"ChatGPT results are actually not perfect, therefore, further analysis of the ChatGPT results is needed. The ability to analyze is an important factor in achieving good critical thinking skills."

Students who analyze AI output—questioning accuracy, identifying gaps, and verifying claims—develop stronger analytical abilities than those who accept information passively.

2. Paraphrasing for Deeper Understanding

When students paraphrase ChatGPT responses, they:

• Process information at a deeper level
• Reformulate concepts in their own words
• Demonstrate genuine comprehension
• Create original work from AI-assisted research

21st Century Competencies and AI

The research situates ChatGPT usage within the broader context of Education 4.0 and the six essential competencies for modern learners:

1. Critical Thinking ✓ Enhanced through AI analysis
2. Collaboration – Working with AI as a partner
3. Communication – Expressing ideas clearly
4. Creativity – Going beyond AI suggestions
5. Character Education – Ethical AI use
6. Citizenship – Responsible digital participation

The study suggests that when used thoughtfully, ChatGPT can actually help develop these competencies rather than diminish them.

The Dual Nature of ChatGPT in Education

The researchers acknowledge both sides of the debate:

The Promise

• Increases learning motivation
• Promotes active involvement
• Enhances problem-solving abilities
• Provides accessible learning support
• Helps with writing skill development

The Risk

• May create complacency if misused
• Could reduce critical abilities without guidance
• Risk of over-reliance on easy answers

The key difference lies in how students use the technology.

How Archiv Applies These Insights

At Archiv, we've designed our AI learning platform specifically to maximize the benefits researchers found while minimizing the risks.

1. Built-In Critical Thinking Requirements

Unlike standard ChatGPT, Archiv's AI:

• Asks questions back instead of providing direct answers
• Challenges your assumptions to deepen analysis
• Guides you to discover answers independently
• Requires your engagement to progress

2. Encouraging the "Paraphrase Effect"

Our Socratic methodology naturally promotes the same paraphrasing behavior that researchers found enhanced critical thinking:

• You must understand concepts to engage with follow-up questions
• AI responses prompt you to formulate your own thoughts
• Learning becomes an active dialogue, not passive consumption

3. Supporting Workload Management

We understand why students turn to AI—genuine academic pressure. Archiv helps by:

• Organizing learning materials in one place
• Tracking progress across multiple subjects
• Providing efficient yet meaningful AI assistance
• Building genuine understanding that saves time on exams

4. Verification and Analysis Tools

Our platform includes features that support the critical analysis patterns researchers observed:

• Knowledge Graphs that visualize concept connections
• Multi-source learning combining AI with uploaded documents
• Archiv Score that measures understanding quality

Practical Recommendations from the Research

Based on the study findings, here are evidence-based strategies for effective ChatGPT use:

For Students

1. Never just copy-paste – Always process AI responses
2. Verify with experts – Cross-check facts with authoritative sources
3. Add your perspective – Include your own analysis and insights
4. Paraphrase everything – Rewrite in your own words to ensure understanding
5. Use AI for research, not answers – Treat it as a starting point

For Educators

1. Teach AI literacy – Show students how to use ChatGPT effectively
2. Design AI-inclusive assignments – Create tasks that require analysis beyond AI capability
3. Emphasize the process – Grade on understanding, not just output
4. Model critical AI use – Demonstrate how to question and verify AI responses
5. Embrace the reality – Students will use AI; guide them to use it well

For Institutions

1. Develop clear policies – Distinguish between AI misuse and productive use
2. Train faculty – Prepare educators for AI-integrated teaching
3. Choose the right tools – Select AI platforms designed for learning
4. Focus on competencies – Measure skill development, not just task completion
5. Foster ethical use – Build a culture of responsible AI engagement

The Future: AI as a Learning Partner

This research from Medan State University provides empirical evidence that challenges doom-and-gloom predictions about AI in education. The data suggests that when students engage critically with ChatGPT, they don't become lazier—they become better thinkers.

The key is ensuring that AI serves as a thinking partner rather than a thinking replacement.

Conclusion: The Evidence Is Clear

The research demonstrates that:

• Most students use ChatGPT critically, not passively
• Analysis and paraphrasing of AI responses builds genuine skills
• 80% of students find real educational value in ChatGPT
• Proper guidance can transform AI from a risk into an asset

The question is no longer whether students will use AI—they already are. The question is how we help them use it in ways that enhance, rather than diminish, their critical thinking abilities.

At Archiv, we're committed to building AI tools that make this vision a reality.

References

Mandailing Global Edukasia. (2024). Implementasi ChatGPT untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Mahasiswa Implementation of ChatGPT to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills. Medan State University Research.

Ready to use AI the way research shows actually works? Start your learning journey with Archiv and experience AI-assisted learning designed to enhance your critical thinking, not replace it.