Optimizing Research Performance: The Impact of ChatGPT and Digital Competence on Research Skills and Autonomy

Leveraging Self-Determination Theory to comprehend their implications on perceived skills and autonomy, this study attempts to investigate the impact of digital competence and AI tools such as ChatGPT on research performance. Research performance, perceived autonomy, digital competency, ChatGPT use, and perceived research skills are all included into the suggested model. 426 replies were received from a survey held at universities in Saudi Arabia, and 386 valid instances were examined using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that ChatGPT use and perceived research skills are highly correlated with digital competence, and that these factors improve research performance and perceived autonomy. According to the study, using ChatGPT enhances researchers' perceptions of research skills and autonomy and research skills, both of which are essential for effective research performance. With 46.5% of the variance in research performance explained by the model, it has a moderate level of explanatory power. In order to meet basic psychological demands like perceived competence and perceived autonomy–both of which are critical for academic success–this research emphasizes the significance of digital competence and AI tools. In order to empower researchers and maximize results, the study emphasizes the crucial role that digital literacy and AI tools play in improving research performance by meeting basic psychological requirements. It also stresses the significance of integrating new technologies in academia. It provides theoretical and practical understanding of the relationship between research effectiveness and digital competency.