Big Five Personality Traits and University Students’ Motivation to Use AI Applications: Evidence from Pakistan
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into the educational process of higher education, which is why it is rather significant to comprehend the psychological variables that affect the interaction of students with AI tools. This paper tested the hypothesis that Big Five personality indicators can be used to predict the reasons why university students want to use AI applications, on both academic and personal levels. The study design was a quantitative cross-sectional design guided by the Five-Factor Model and technology adoption frameworks (TAM and UTAUT2). 135 Pakistani students at universities aged 18 to 25 were involved in the study (67 males and 68 females). The participants were asked to fill in the Mini-IPIP and Questionnaire of AI Use Motivation (QAIUM). The analysis of data in Jamovi was done by multiple regression and independent-samples t-tests. Neuroticism had significant predictive validity on lower expectancy (β = -0.252, p =.004) and attainment value ( -0.215, p =.013), and the predictive validity of more perceived costs of AI use ( -0.197, p =.024). Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness were not important predictors of motivation dimensions. Comparisons in gender revealed that the males had greater expectancy (p =.041), utility (p=.014) and intrinsic motivation (p=.008), whereas the females had greater neuroticism (p=.050). Overall, the results highlight the importance of emotional stability and gender in designing and implementing AI-based learning support, underscoring the need for emotionally supportive and gender-sensitive AI integration strategies in higher education.
Keywords
Motivation, , Students, , AI, , Personality, Pakistan
Author Biography
Zuhaa Hassan
PhD Scholar at the Institute of Applied Psychology, University of Punjab (UOP)
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