The role of generative AI in enhancing research quality: An SEM approach

The global educational landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of Generative AI (GenAI).This study investigates the influence of GenAI on the quality of Tamil-based academic research and the attitudes of university students in Malaysia.With the increasing use of GenAI tools in higher education, understanding their specific impact on regional languages and research is crucial.The integration of GenAI in education aligns with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education, by fostering innovative learning methods and enhancing research capabilities.A quantitative survey was conducted with a sample of 125 Tamil-based research students from public and private universities across Malaysia.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.The findings indicate a statistically significant positive relationship between the effective utilization of GenAI tools and an increase in perceived research quality (r=0.45,p<0.001).Students' selfreported attitudes toward GenAI, including its perceived usefulness and ease of use, were found to be a strong mediator in this relationship (r=0.61,p<0.001).The study highlights that while GenAI provides a powerful tool for generating ideas and structuring content, its true pedagogical value is unlocked when students have a positive perception and are confident in using the technology to enhance their research skills.These findings provide actionable insights for university administrators and educators on how to integrate GenAI effectively, especially in disciplines where research is conducted in languages other than English or Malay.This contributes to achieving SDG 4, specifically Target 4.4, which focuses on increasing the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.