Speaker
Description
The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way graduate students engage in academic research and thesis writing. Despite growing interest in AI-assisted learning, limited research has examined how Master’s students actually use AI throughout the thesis process and how they understand the ethical boundaries of such use. This qualitative descriptive study investigates the experiences of TESOL/English Studies Master’s students who employ AI tools to support the development of their theses. Drawing on Activity Theory as a theoretical lens, the study conceptualizes AI as a mediating artifact that shapes interactions between students, research tasks, institutional rules, and academic communities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight Master’s students and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that students use AI in multiple stages of thesis development, dominantly in generating research ideas, identifying and synthesizing relevant literature, less in suggesting research methodologies, and assisting with the interpretation and explanation of research findings. Participants generally perceived AI as a convenient and efficient research companion that helped reduce cognitive load and improve productivity, especially in time constraints. However, the findings also revealed significant uncertainty regarding appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI in academic research. Many students report limited awareness of institutional regulations, ethical principles, and potential risks related to over-reliance on AI, plagiarism, authorship, and academic integrity. The study contributes to the emerging literature on AI-assisted academic research by providing insights into students’ actual practices and challenges. It also highlights the need for universities to develop clear policies, ethical guidelines, and training programs that promote responsible, transparent, and academically sound uses of AI in thesis writing and graduate education.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, thesis writing, master’s students, Activity Theory, academic integrity, AI policy
