Effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Study Tools on the Study Behaviour of Pharmacology and Medical Students in Bauchi State, Nigeria

The study on the effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) study tools on the study behaviour of pharmacology and medical students in Bauchi State, Nigeria was carried out. In particular, this study explored the specific use of AI study tools, the positive and negative impacts of AI study tools on study behaviour, the perceived benefits of AI study tools, and the problems related to their use. Descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was used. The study population included both medical and pharmacology students in selected tertiary institutions of Bauchi state, Bauchi. The territory of the study was Bauchi state, and a sample of 102 students was obtained through appropriate sampling methods. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The results showed that students were widely engaged with AI for studying with 96.1% agreeing to use AI applications for studying and a grand mean of 4.28 showing a high level of use. The findings also revealed that the use of AI in study tools had a positive effect on study behaviour, encompassing various aspects such as study habits, revision practices, time management, independent learning, complex concepts understanding, and academic productivity (grand mean = 4.09). Respondents also noted some negative consequences such as dependence on AI, loss of independent reading, less personal research, and lack of verification of information produced by AI (grand mean = 3.46). Furthermore, students' perceptions of the high value of the use of AI tools for learning and academic performance (grand mean = 4.08) were high. However, problems with the accuracy of information, access to the Internet, ethical issues, and dependence on the Internet were found (grand mean = 3.70). The study findings reveal the critical role AI study tools play in shaping students' study habits, highlighting the need for AI literacy programmes and institutional guidelines to foster responsible and effective AI use in higher education.