Investigating the Impact of Chatgpt on Reading Strategies

Abstract

This study examines the influence of ChatGPT on reading strategies in undergraduate students, concentrating on global reading strategies, problem-solving reading strategies, and supportive reading strategies. The study utilised a quantitative survey design informed by Cognitive Load Theory and the Metacognitive Regulation System, involving 197 participants. Data were gathered utilising a 44-item five-point Likert-scale questionnaire modified from Amer et al. (2010) and Youssef et al. (2024). The results indicated notable disparities in reading methods based on gender and reading proficiency; however, there were no significant differences in perceptions of ChatGPT across these characteristics. Students indicated extensive utilisation of global and problem-solving reading strategies, including the employment of contextual clues and the re-examination of challenging texts. Moreover, participants viewed ChatGPT favourably in fostering critical thinking, intellectual inquiry, and participation. Correlation studies revealed substantial moderate positive correlations between ChatGPT and global reading techniques (r = .337), problem-solving strategies (r = .419), and support methods (r = .440). The study suggests that ChatGPT serves as an effective cognitive scaffold, enhancing strategic reading, critical assessment, and student engagement when utilised with autonomous reading and critical thinking