Investigating the factors influencing the adoption and use of artificial intelligence applications among Pakistani university research scholars: An empirical study

The widespread use and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications among university students has drastically transformed the educational landscape. Recognizing the importance of this transformation, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting the adoption and use of AI applications among Pakistani research scholars. This study used an extended version of the unified theory of acceptance and use of the technology model and innovative resistance theory. The data were collected from 235 research scholars through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression test were used to analyze the collected data. The study found that Pakistani research scholars used various AI applications for research purposes such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, ChatPDF, and SciSpace. This study found that personal innovativeness, performance expectancy, social influence, and trust significantly influence research scholars’ behavioral intention to use AI applications. In contrast, the impact of effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and resistance to innovation on students’ behavioral intention to use AI tools was statistically insignificant. The findings offer actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and technology developers aiming to enhance AI adoption in higher education.