--

16(2)2026 (IN PRESS)

The Impact of ChatGPT on Research and Learning Methods of University Students in Ho Chi Minh City


Author - Affiliation:
Truong Tan Đat - https://www.dthu.edu.vn/ , Vietnam
Pham Hong Quang - Thai Nguyen University, Chairman of the Council of Professors of Educational Sciences, Vietnam
Giang Quoc Tran - https://www.dthu.edu.vn/ Dong Thap University, Dong Thap, Vietnam , Vietnam
Corresponding author: Giang Quoc Tran - tranquocgiang29894@gmail.com
Submitted: 07-11-2024
Accepted: 17-12-2024
Published: 15-01-2025

Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of ChatGPT on the learning and research methods of university students in Ho Chi Minh City, using a mixed-methods research design with a broad scope. Specifically, 577 participants, including students, lecturers, and educational administrators, were surveyed, and 28 in-depth interviews were conducted to collect detailed data. The data were analyzed through modern statistical methods and content analysis to ensure comprehensiveness and objectivity. The findings reveal that over 70% of students consider ChatGPT useful for quickly retrieving information and improving learning efficiency. Approximately 65% of students reported that the tool enhances writing skills, particularly in grammar checking and idea organization. However, 60% of participants expressed concerns about the potential reduction in critical thinking and creativity when over-relying on ChatGPT. Moreover, lecturers and administrators highlighted challenges related to information verification and academic ethics. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering critical thinking and creativity alongside the use of ChatGPT. The study proposes solutions such as organizing skill training, establishing clear policies, and integrating ChatGPT into the curriculum to optimize its effectiveness and sustainably develop academic skills. These results contribute to shaping strategies for AI application in higher education in Vietnam, aligning with global trends.

Keywords
ChatGPT, research skills, learning methods, artificial intelligence (ai), critical thinking, students in Ho Chi Minh City

References

References


Adiguzel, T., Kaya, M. H., & Cansu, F. K. (2023). Revolutionizing education with AI: Exploring the transformative potential of ChatGPT. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(3), Article ep429. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13152


Ali, J. K. M., Shamsan, M. A. A., Hezam, T. A., & Mohammed, A. A. Q. (2023). Impact of ChatGPT on learning motivation: Teachers and students’ voices. Journal of English Studies in Arabia Felix, 2(1), Article 51. https://doi.org/10.56540/jesaf.v2i1.51


Ausat, A. M. A., Massang, B., Efendi, M., Nofirman, N., & Riady, Y. (2023). Can ChatGPT replace the role of the teacher in the classroom: A fundamental analysis. Journal on Education, 5(4), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.31004/joe.v5i4.2745


Baidoo-Anu, D., & Ansah, L. O. (2023). Education in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the potential benefits of ChatGPT in promoting teaching and learning. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4337484


Bansal, G., Chamola, V., Hussain, A., et al. (2024). Transforming Conversations with AI-A Comprehensive Study of ChatGPT. Cognitive Computation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12559-023-10236-2


Bower, M., Torrington, J., Lai, J. W. M., et al. (2024). How should we change teaching and assessment in response to increasingly powerful generative Artificial Intelligence? Outcomes of the ChatGPT teacher survey. Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12405-0


Chen, Y., & Eger, S. (2022). Transformers go for the LOLs: Generating (humorous) titles from scientific abstracts end-to-end. arXiv preprint, arXiv:2212.10522.


Chiu, T. K. F. (2024). Future research recommendations for transforming higher education with generative AI. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 6, 100197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100197


Dang, V. E., Nguyen, D. L. P., & Nguyen, T. H. (2024). Current status of ChatGPT application in students’ learning and research at Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City. Journal of Education, 24(1), 36–41.


Duong, T. L. (2023). Applying ChatGPT to promote teaching and learning at the university level in the era of artificial intelligence. Journal of Science and Technology of Binh Duong University, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.56097/binhduonguniversityjournalofscienceandtechnology.v6i2.160


Emma, S., & Valentini, A. (2023). ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in higher education. The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education.


Firaina, R., & Sulisworo, D. (2023). Exploring the usage of ChatGPT in higher education: Frequency and impact on productivity. BEI Journal, 2(1). http://journal.iistr.org/index.php/BEI/article/view/310


García-Peñalvo, F. J. (2023). The perception of artificial intelligence in educational contexts after the launch of ChatGPT: Disruption or panic. Education, 24. https://doi.org/10.14201/eks.31279


Kasneci, E., Seßler, K., Küchemann, S., Bannert, M., Dementieva, D., Fischer, F., Gasser, U., Groh, G., Günnemann, S., & Hüllermeier, E. (2023). ChatGPT for Good? On Opportunities and Challenges of Large Language Models for Education. Learning and Individual Differences, 103, 102274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102274


Kirtania, D. K. (2023). OpenAI ChatGPT for library and information science (LIS) professionals. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4404903


Le, T. P. (2024). The application of ChatGPT in learning and research: Perspectives from lecturers and students at universities in Da Nang City. Journal of Science, Vinh University, 53(Special Issue), 155–162.


Liu, Y., Chen, L., & Yao, Z. (2022). The application of artificial intelligence assistant to deep learning in teachers' teaching and students' learning processes. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.885874


Luo, J. (2024). A critical review of GenAI policies in higher education assessment: A call to reconsider the “originality” of students’ work. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2024.2309963


McGee, R. W. (2023). Is ChatGPT biased against conservatives? An empirical study. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4359405


Mhlanga, D. (2023). Open AI in education, the responsible and ethical use of ChatGPT towards lifelong learning. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4354422


Miyazaki, K., Murayama, T., Uchiba, T., et al. (2024). Public perception of generative AI on Twitter: An empirical study based on occupation and usage. EPJ Data Science, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjds/s13688-023-00445-y


Nguyen, P. Q. (2023a). ChatGPT supports self-learning and digital skills development for young people. In Proceedings of the 2nd Expanded National and Regional Universities Scientific Conference for Young Staff, 2023 (pp. 232–237).


Nguyen, T. P. (2023b). Using ChatGPT as a support tool in teaching and learning in communication disciplines. Journal of Science, Hong Bang International University, 25, 95–100. https://doi.org/10.59294/HIUJS.25.2023.507


Nguyen, T. T. H. (2023c). Examining the impact of ChatGPT on educational activities through a literature review approach. Journal of Science, Hoa Sen University, (02), 52–59.


Nguyen, T. T. V., & Le, T. M. N. (2024). Research on applying ChatGPT to improve learning effectiveness for economics students at Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City in the technological era. Journal of Educational Management, 9, 20–29.


OpenAI. (2023). Introducing ChatGPT. Retrieved May 2, 2023, from https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt


Ray, P. P. (2023). ChatGPT: A comprehensive review on background, applications, key challenges, bias, ethics, limitations, and future scope. Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems, 3, 121–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iotcps.2023.04.003


Stahl, B. C., & Eke, D. (2024). The ethics of ChatGPT – Exploring the ethical issues of an emerging technology. International Journal of Information Management, 74, 102700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102700


Tate, T. P., Doroudi, S., Ritchie, D., Xu, Y., & Uci, M. W. (2023). Educational research and AI-generated writing: Confronting the coming tsunami. EdArXiv. https://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/4mec3


Taecharungroj, V. (2023). What can ChatGPT do? Analyzing early reactions to the innovative AI chatbot on Twitter. Big Data and Cognitive Computing, 7(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc7010035


Thai, T. C. T. (2023). Attitudes and expectations of English pedagogy students toward ChatGPT: A study at Hanoi National University of Education. Journal of Education, 23(10), 51–56.


Thorp, H. H. (2023). ChatGPT is fun, but not an author. Science, 379(6630), 313. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adg7879


Tlili, A., et al. (2023). What if the devil is my guardian angel: ChatGPT as a case study of using chatbots in education. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00237-x


Truong, H. (2023). ChatGPT and education: An overview of research trends worldwide and in Vietnam. EdArXiv. https://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/cnze6


Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.


Wang, M. (2023). ChatGPT: A case study. PDGIA Journal of Higher Education. https://journal.pdgia.ca/index.php/education/article/view/10


Zhuo, T. Y., Huang, Y., Chen, C., & Xing, Z. (2023). Red teaming ChatGPT via jailbreaking: Bias, robustness, reliability, and toxicity. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2301.12867



Creative Commons License
© The Author(s) 2026. This is an open access publication under CC BY NC licence.