Examining AI Adoption in Academic Research and its Effects on Research Productivity and Academic Well Being: The Moderating Role of Cultural Attitudes toward AI in Academia

Academic scholarships are always changing as a result of the quest for pure ontological exploration in the minds of humans. Recently, the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into research, along with the resulting ramifications for both research productivity and researchers' academic well-being, has been expanding. This study analyses how AI adoption affects researchers' personal well-being and research efficiency, as well as the moderating effects of cultural viewpoints on AI use in academia. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional research design was applied, and digital methods of data collection, like Google Forms, were utilised in data collection from 300 respondents, which consisted of post-doctoral researchers, Ph.D. and M.Phil. students across public and private universities of Pakistan. A regression modelling approach was applied to test the hypotheses. The study results revealed concrete evidence of a positive linkage between the use of AI tools, increased academic well-being and research productivity. However, varying Cultural perspectives in educational settings plays an important role to mitigate these associations, emphasizing the need for cultural context in successful integration of AI technology. The results highlight the necessity for suitable institutional policies as well as culturally appropriate responses to maximise the success of AI adoption in higher education.