Using ChatGPT for Research Writing: Perspectives of Jordanian EFL Learners

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which EFL learners employ ChatGPT in research writing. Using simple random sampling, a total of 64 undergraduates enrolled in a Research Writing course at Amman Arab University were surveyed with a questionnaire. The students were asked about the section in which they used ChatGPT most and the reasons behind this. Moreover, the paper explains how their educators can help them overcome the difficulties in writing. The questionnaire included 14 items, and the data collected were analyzed in terms of frequencies and percentages. Results show that the majority of students find writing a research problem challenging, with a lack of English fluency being a prominent reason. Students suggest that their instructors should hold workshops or training sessions on how to write this specific section so that they can improve their writing. Next, a focus group discussion with 15 students was held to reflect on these results. The focus group partially agreed with the results, but they found the literature review more challenging for the same reason, as students had never been taught how to write it properly. This study provides valuable insights from Jordanian learners themselves for educators seeking to improve their students’ research writing skills.